By Faridat Salifu
Recently, the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, emphasized the need for Nigeria to accelerate the establishment of solar and hydropower facilities as part of the country’s energy transition strategy.
The miniister who spoke at the 2024 International Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations-Alliance (REEEA-A), with the theme: “Road to Net Zero: Actionable Initiatives for Success,” in Abuja, underscored the importance of integrating renewable sources into Nigeria’s energy framework, alongside the current reliance on gas.
Nnaji, who now heads Geometric Power Ltd., reiterated that while gas serves as a fundamental transition fuel, a focused investment in renewable energy, specifically hydropower and solar, is crucial for meeting the clean energy targets of 2060.
The former minister highlighted the significance of developing infrastructure inclusive of electric vehicle charging stations to support the nation’s growing interest in electric mobility.
“There is an urgent need for a coherent strategy to reach these targets,” Nnaji stated. “For now, hydropower and solar energy should be our primary focus. However, it is essential that these alternatives are not only sustainable but also economically feasible,” he said
Also speaking, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power, echoed Nnaji’s sentiments, stating that Nigeria’s energy transition must aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with energy production.
Represented at the conference by Sunday Owolabi, Director of Renewable and Rural Power, Adelabu laid out Nigeria’s goals under the Climate Change Commitment, including an unconditional 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement.
According to Adelabu, Nigeria aims to enhance its centralized power capacity to 200 GW by 2060, targeting 90% renewable energy. He noted some ongoing federal projects in hydropower, including a series of significant facilities that have faced delays over the years.
In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of REEEA-A, highlighted Nigeria’s ample renewable energy potential. He cited that leveraging just 1% of the nation’s land for solar energy generation could yield a power output far exceeding current needs, reinforcing the argument for expanding solar infrastructure.
During a recent discussion, Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, underscored a key objective of the Electricity Act 2023: to establish a comprehensive plan that acknowledges various sources for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, particularly emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into Nigeria’s energy landscape.
He pointed out that there is a growing global emphasis on the need for safer, sustainable, and renewable energy solutions, especially considering the adverse effects of carbon emissions from fossil fuels on the environment.
“The ramifications of global warming and climate change are not merely topics for large international conferences; they are issues that are being felt in our immediate surroundings in various ways,” he argued.
Dr. Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive of the Association of Power Generation Companies of Nigeria (APGC), echoed the sentiment, noting that while the Electricity Act holds significant promise, the challenge lies in its implementation. “It’s crucial to start questioning the status quo rather than accepting everything blindly,” she remarked.
In his opening address, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of REEEA-A, highlighted the collaborative efforts of seven associations that have come together to advocate for the use of clean energy technologies to enhance energy access and security within Nigeria and beyond.
For the past five years, these organizations have provided extensive regulatory support and services to a broad range of clients in both the public and private sectors.
Their efforts include fostering network and information exchanges, enhancing infrastructure, promoting welfare and corporate sustainability, empowering youth and gender initiatives, and offering research support services such as maintaining a data bank. “These core values have been instrumental in fulfilling our vision and mission,” Onuoha emphasized.