Kaduna Coy Partner UNIDO, ECN for Energy Efficiency

By Abdullahi Lukman
Arewa Metal Containers Limited (ARMECO), Kaduna has collaborated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) to improve its energy efficiency.
This initiative falls under a broader Global Environment Facility (GEF) project aimed at enhancing industrial energy performance and promoting resource-efficient cleaner production across Nigeria.
The formal commencement of this partnership was marked by a kick-off review meeting in Kaduna, where Engr. Okon Ekpenyong, the Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Consultant for ECN/UNIDO, outlined the project’s objectives.
The core aim is to accelerate the adoption of Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) practices and elevate the environmental performance of Nigerian industries, encompassing businesses of all sizes.
A primary focus is the reduction of energy consumption, which promises both significant cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Engr. Ekpenyong emphasized the importance of establishing robust Energy Management Systems (EnMS) within industrial operations to minimize energy waste.
He also announced a crucial collaboration between UNIDO and the Bank of Industry to provide financial incentives for industries embracing these energy-efficient systems.
The project’s implementation and impact will be closely monitored by key regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria.
A foundational element of the project involves a comprehensive data collection phase, as highlighted by Engr. Ekpenyong. Gathering baseline data on ARMECO’s current energy consumption and associated costs will be instrumental in tracking progress, enabling comparative analysis, and guiding informed decisions regarding future energy efficiency investments.
Engineer Joachim Daudu, the Managing Director of Arewa Metal Containers Limited (ARMECO), conveyed the company’s strong commitment to this partnership with UNIDO and the implementation of energy-efficient measures.
Daudu said a key component of their strategy involves the integration of solar power to significantly curtail energy expenditures.
He projected substantial savings of approximately 144 million naira over the next six years through the adoption of solar energy.
ARMECO’s implementation plan will unfold in a phased manner, commencing with the administrative block and subsequently extending to the factory’s core operational equipment.