By Yemi Olakitan
Africa is pushing for renewable energy in the railway sector as part of its efforts to modernize its infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and diversify its energy sources.
The African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network, a project by the African Union to promote railway development across the continent is highly commendable.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report on Renewable Energy Market Analysis in Africa says Africa has laid out a pathway to a renewables-based energy system and shows the potential gains in GDP, employment, and human welfare.
The IRENA report on Planning and prospects for renewable power: Eastern and Southern Africa provides a roadmap for creating a renewables-based power system across the ACEC region.
In Nigeria, the FG is taking significant steps towards embracing renewable energy solutions within the railway sector. TIS Renewables is seeking off-grid power for the Lagos-Ibadan train station, and the Lagos mass transit system’s new stainless-steel trains run on their own independent energy network.
Revitalizing Nigeria’s railway transport for passenger and freight transportation can seriously cut down the nation’s carbon footprint. The bad state of the rail transport sub-sector has encouraged the use of trucks, which are heavy emitters of greenhouse gases.
Good railway is a powerful and more energy-efficient means of freight transportation. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, has launched various projects to expand the rail network and improve connectivity within the country and beyond its borders.
The government invests in existing lines and new ones, and the railway corporation begins manufacturing some of its equipment and tools locally. The laws governing road transport are enforced to ensure there is healthy competition in the sector, and foreign investors are encouraged to invest in rail development to help develop the Nigerian economy.
TIS Renewable Energy Limited, a Lagos-based renewable energy company submitted an application to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for an off-grid licence to generate 6MW of clean energy for the Lagos-Ibadan railway line.
This license would allow TIS to build a dedicated power plant at the Loco Powerhouse within the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) compound in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
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The generated electricity would primarily power the Mobolaji Johnson train station, with the potential to extend to other mutually agreed train stations and NRC facilities.
The move towards off-grid power generation promises numerous benefits. It would reduce dependence on the national grid, leading to increased stability and reliability, particularly crucial for time-sensitive train operations.
Additionally, the utilization of renewable energy would significantly contribute to lowering carbon emissions, aligning with the government’s sustainability goals.
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The NERC has opened a 21-day window for individuals to submit written comments regarding the proposed licence. These comments, clearly outlining any objections, must adhere to the NERC Application for Licences Regulations 2010 and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (Business Rules of the Commission) Regulations 2006.
If approved, this project would serve as a pioneering example of integrating renewable energy within Nigeria’s transportation sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
According to a public notice issued by TIS Renewable Energy, individuals with objections to the grant of the licence have 21 days from the date of publication to submit their written comments to the NERC headquarters in Abuja.
The comments should clearly articulate the basis for any objections and adhere to the NERC Application for Licences Regulations 2010 and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (Business Rules of the Commission) Regulations 2006.
This initiative marks a significant step towards embracing renewable energy solutions within the Nigerian railway sector. The proposed 6MW power plant, once approved, has the potential to improve the efficiency and reliability of train operations while contributing to environmental sustainability goals.
In Ghana, the government is actively exploring renewable energy sources and advanced technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its railway system.
The Ghana-Burkina Faso Railway project includes the use of electric trains powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The development of rail infrastructure in Ghana is seen as a path to environmental and social progress, with lower greenhouse gas emissions, less air pollution, and conservation of land and habitats.
The government’s focus on ecological sustainability aims to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade while reducing the region’s carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly transportation options.
