SOLAR-WIND ENERGY INTEGRATION IN THE NIGERIAN 330 kV GRID: A TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

This paper conducts a detailed technical analysis of the integration of solar and wind energy into Nigeria's 330 kV power grid. Despite extensive power sector reforms, Nigeria's energy demand continues to surpass supply, with heavy reliance on fossil fuels leading to an unreliable and unsustainable power system. Given the country's substantial wind and solar energy potential, this study examines the impact of incorporating these renewable sources on grid stability and active power loss. Using the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) in MATLAB, the study models Nigeria's 50-bus, 330 kV grid, and includes case studies comparing scenarios with different levels of renewable energy penetration. The findings indicate that the integration of wind and solar energy enhances system stability and increases renewable energy penetration limits, particularly when both energy sources are combined. Active power losses decrease significantly when penetration rates are optimized, with wind energy allowing for a 15% penetration limit and a combined wind-solar configuration reaching up to 25%. Furthermore, the study identifies significant improvements in small-signal stability, with damping ratios and eigenvalues improving with higher renewable penetration. This analysis underscores the feasibility of renewable energy integration as a solution for Nigeria’s energy challenges, contributing to cleaner, more reliable electricity generation.