The role of Solar Energy as a Solution to Air Pollution in Nigeria

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank my supervisors, friends and family, without their support this research study would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I adjudge that the entire content of this dissertation is entirely my own work; the content used in this dissertation has not been submitted before in any educational institution and represents my own opinion.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

In this research study the role of solar energy has been discussed and analyzed. The systematic review research method was used for analyzing the role of solar energy in reducing the air pollution in Nigeria. The best solution which is being practicing by Nigeria is to use the renewable resources in order to reduce the air pollution in Nigeria. Thus, it can be concluded that the solar energy plays a significant role in reducing the air pollution in Nigeria.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Research Study1

Research Questions5

Dissertation Layout5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

History of Air pollution6

Sustainable development and air pollution9

The Energy & Environment Crisis10

Sustainable Energy Sources and Natural Resources10

Advantages and Current Status of Renewable Energy12

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY15

Methodology15

The Systematic Literature Review15

Bias16

Preparation17

Research Questions18

Quantitative versus Qualitative18

Finding the literature19

Data Bases and Search Terms20

Dates21

Journal Articles21

Websites21

Book and Author Searches21

Grey Literature22

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria22

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION22

Role of solar energy in Nigeria23

Renewable Energy Technologies23

Solar Rankine Parabolic Trough System23

Solar Collectors23

Solar Water Heaters24

Active Solar Water Heaters25

Passive Solar Water Heaters26

Solar Comb systems27

Widespread Barriers to Renewable Energy28

Developments in Renewable Energy Technologies30

Solar Energy Photovoltaic (PV)31

Solar Thermal33

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS34

Recommendations39

REFERENCES40

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Research Study

Human-induced climate change, rising pollution levels, decreasing energy security, and resource wars are all increasingly linked to the widespread use of non-renewable sources of energy. These interrelated challenges present an ongoing and pressing policy-making dilemma to develop and implement sound energy solutions (Nyberg, Gustavsson, 2000, 487). Evidence regarding the imperative need for creative energy solutions is amassing from a variety of reputable sources. The vast majority of scientists working in fields related to the earth's climate agree that rapid global climate change is occurring and is largely due to human activities over the last century. Fossil fuel consumption that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is one of the main causes of this crisis.

Since most energy sources these days come from fossil fuels, the use of energy directly contributes to global warming (Yarnal, Frakes, Brown, 2001 1923). In Nigeria, the residential sector accounts for approximately 17% of the country's energy consumption. In order to avoid the grave consequences that will likely occur if we continue along this accelerated path of energy over-consumption, things need to change. In the area of residential energy use, the way homes are built, heated, cooled and powered must change. Firstly, homes need to be much more efficient so that they require far less energy than they do currently. Secondly, the remaining home energy consumption needs to be satisfied using non-polluting renewable energy sources. Aspiring towards these goals, the concept of a Zero Energy Home (ZEH) is being developed. The premise behind this ...