BJAR British Journal of Advanced Research BJAR 3153-709X Ivory and Finch Publishers 10.68263/BJAR-8E42RNQQ BJAR_OCT_26_027 Original Research Article RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION AND ENERGY SECURITY IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIC PATHWAYS Azuka Ifeachor Henry https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3407-7906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi Abia State ih.azuka@fpi.edu.ng 10 11 2026 1 5

Southeastern Nigeria faces ongoing energy insecurity despite having abundant renewable energy resources. This study examines how solar, small-scale hydro, and biomass can enhance energy security in the region. We used a mixed-method approach, collecting primary data from 200 households and secondary data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). We evaluated current energy access, renewable energy adoption rates, and grid reliability.The results indicate that 78% of households experience daily blackouts, and only 12% have access to off-grid renewable energy solutions. The region's solar irradiation averages 5.2 kWh/m²/day, and there is over 200 MW of untapped small-hydro potential. However, barriers include high upfront costs, with 65% of respondents noting this issue, a lack of technical skills at 58%, and policy inconsistency impacting 72% of respondents.A comparison of renewable energy projects in Enugu, Anambra, and Imo states shows that decentralized solar mini-grids can reduce outage frequency by 82%. The study concludes that adopting renewable energy can lessen reliance on fossil fuel generators, improve rural electrification, and decrease carbon emissions. We recommend establishing state-level renewable energy targets, providing tax incentives for off-grid systems, and introducing vocational training programs. This research offers valuable data for policymakers and investors interested in Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan.

 Renewable Energy Energy Security Southeastern Nigeria Off-Grid Electrification Solar Mini-Grids. 14 10 2026 19 10 2026 Copyright © 2026 by the authors This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. References Abila, N. (2020). Energy poverty in Southeast Nigeria: Drivers and dimensions. Journal of Energy in Developing Countries, 12(2), 45–61. Bhattacharyya, S. C. (2019). Energy Economics: Concepts, Issues, Markets and Governance (2nd ed.). Springer. Chukwu, O., & Nwosu, C. (2020). Small-hydro potential of the Anambra and Imo river basins. Nigerian Journal of Renewable Energy, 18(1), 33–47. Ezeh, T., & Ugwu, A. (2021). Biomass from palm oil mills in Imo State: Quantification and energy recovery options. Biomass & Bioenergy, 145, 105–119. IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency). (2021). Renewable Energy Readiness Assessment: Nigeria. Abu Dhabi: IRENA. NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission). (2022). Quarterly Report on Grid Performance (Q4 2022). Abuja: NERC. Oji, J. O., Okeke, F. N., & Eze, S. I. (2018). Solar radiation mapping for Southeastern Nigeria using satellite-derived data. Solar Energy, 172, 89–98. Okafor, E., & Nnamdi, P. (2020). Policy barriers to off-grid renewable energy in Nigeria’s Southeast. Energy Policy, 142, 111–123. Okonkwo, I., & Eze, C. (2019). Economic cost of generator dependency in Enugu State. Nigerian Journal of Energy Economics, 7(3), 22–36. World Bank. (2020). Mini Grids for Half a Billion People: Market Outlook and Handbook for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: World Bank Group.