By George George Idowu
Shell Nigeria Plc has pledged its support to the Nigerian government’s efforts in providing electricity to millions of people through renewable energy sources.
The Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, announced this disclosure during a ministerial panel session at the 7th Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja on Friday.
He said the company is committed to deploying renewable as off-grid energy sources, particularly in areas without access to the national grid.
In a statement released by his media aid, Abimbola Essien-Nelson, Shell emphasized its role in assisting Nigeria in transitioning to gas as a fuel and highlighted the importance of partnerships, technological innovation, and sustainable financing in driving energy security and economic prosperity in Africa.
Okunbor stressed the significance of international collaborations in accessing best practices and advanced technologies to optimize operations and reduce emissions.
Okunbor, who was represented by the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Mrs Elohor Aiboni, mentioned initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, which Shell has deployed to monitor and mitigate methane emissions from its operations.
Addressing the energy sector’s challenges, Okunbor emphasized the importance of secure and affordable access to energy for economic growth, especially in emerging economies like those in Africa.
He said: “Energy security, transition and finance are at the heart of the dilemma that the world and senior executives in the energy sector are grappling with,” he opined, stressing that secure and uninterrupted access to energy at affordable price was key for economic growth and development for every country, and more so for emerging economies like those in Africa.”
Highlighting Shell’s contributions to Africa’s energy sector development, he cited the company’s presence in several African countries and its collaboration with governments and stakeholders to promote Nigerian content development and deploy renewable for off-grid energy solutions.
Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and water, offers sustainable alternatives to finite and polluting non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Shell’s commitment reflects a significant step towards sustainable energy development in Nigeria and across Africa, fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for future progress in the energy sector.