Hybrid Energy Systems for Urban Nigeria: Technological Innovations, Performance Indicators, and Sustainability Prospects

ABSTRACT Nigeria's urban electricity systems are characterized by chronic grid unreliability, widespread diesel generator use, and rising economic and environmental costs. Hybrid energy systems (HES) have emerged as a promising alternative for improving reliability and sustainability in urban settings. This study systematically reviews and critically synthesizes evidence on the technological performance, sustainability outcomes, and deployment potential of HES in urban Nigeria. Key performance indicators including levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), renewable fraction, system autonomy and reliability, and CO 2 emissions reductions, were quantitatively assessed across residential, commercial, and institutional applications. Results show that PV–battery–dispatchable hybrid systems consistently outperform grid‐only and diesel‐based systems, with reported LCOE values ranging from $0.04 to $0.56/kWh (0.18$/kWh median), renewable fractions typically exceeding 60% (85% median), and CO 2 emission reductions commonly in the range of 70%–95% relative to diesel‐dominated systems. Reliability improvements are most pronounced in grid‐constrained urban environments. Emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence–based energy management, further enhance system performance by improving forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency, although adoption remains uneven and context‐dependent. HES represents a technically and economically viable pathway for improving urban energy reliability and sustainability in Nigeria, provided deployment strategies are aligned with local grid conditions, demand profiles, and institutional frameworks.