Pathways for low carbon Nigeria in 2050 by using NECAL2050

Studies exploring pathways to reduce energy demand and GHG emissions in Nigeria are limited and have not focused on what is technically feasible within the country. This research uses the Nigerian Energy Calculator 2050 (NECAL2050) to examine and compare energy balances and GHG mitigation potentials for four alternative low-carbon scenarios possible by 2050. Results show that the alternative low-carbon pathways will reduce energy consumption, GHG emissions, and air pollution compared to the business-as-usual case, although fossil fuels will still dominate the Nigerian energy system in all scenarios by 2050. Bioenergy and energy efficiency are found to play significant roles in decarbonizing Nigeria, and the study explores the policy implications of the alternative pathways.