Clean development mechanism projects for developing countries: Potential for carbon emissions mitigation and sustainable development

Energy shortage is one of the major impediments to social, industrial and economic growths in developing countries. For instance, only about 40% of Nigeria´s population (about 170 million) has access to electricity. Due to this, petrol/diesel generators are used for electricity generation in various sectors of the country, which are not eco-friendly. Though developing countries are thought to emit lesser greenhouse gases compared to industrialized nations, due to low industrial activities, a global cooperation is necessary to mitigate climate change. The intent of this paper is to develop solar power generation systems through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which involves investments in clean technologies, in developing countries by governments, companies or agencies from developed countries, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at an optimum cost. This could offer a possible solution to energy poverty, and also lead to sustainable development in developing countries, including Nigeria. Case studies were conducted for Nigeria using small-scale PV systems for different applications. The paper also presents the modalities for CDM agreement between two parties, the benefits and challenges. The CO₂ emissions that could be avoided by adopting the proposed energy systems are also discussed.