The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced plans to install electric vehicle charging ports at its filling stations across the country in an effort to reduce carbon emissions.
Mr. Kanayochukwu Odoe, the Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited, revealed this development in the company’s quarterly publication.
He also mentioned that NNPC is collaborating with a start-up in Maiduguri, Borno State, to expand electric car manufacturing in Nigeria.
Odoe emphasized the need for Nigeria to invest in human and technological capacity development to compete globally and achieve the federal government’s net zero carbon target set for 2060. As a result of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC now has responsibilities that include investing in renewable energies and making renewable energy a viable business in Nigeria, aligning with international treaties and conventions the country has signed.
Regarding renewable energy capacity expansion, Odoe acknowledged the existing gap in electricity supply, especially in rural areas.
He emphasized the importance of developing the capacity to provide power to rural areas through renewable energy sources like solar.
Related Posts
Addressing the topic of electric vehicles, Odoe mentioned a Nigerian start-up in Maiduguri that specializes in renewables and electric vehicles. NNPC is currently in discussions with them to enhance their capacity to meet local demand in Nigeria.
Odoe expressed the belief that investing in this start-up would not only be beneficial for
Nigeria but also provide an opportunity for NNPC to establish a presence in the electric vehicle market. Furthermore, NNPC is exploring the installation of charging points for electric vehicles at its retail stations throughout Nigeria.
Odoe emphasized the potential of a vibrant renewable energy market in Nigeria, which must be evaluated from both market and policy perspectives. In terms of policy, NNPC aims to meet environmental obligations while also addressing the energy needs of the population. This includes implementing solar projects to supply power to underserved areas where electricity distribution companies are absent, and charging electricity bills for these services.
Additionally, NNPC is working on a bio-diesel plant in Cross River State and has signed an agreement with Kebbi State for a bio-ethanol plant. There are also discussions regarding the conversion of waste into energy for electricity and cooking fuel, aiming to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions.
Odoe emphasized the concept of energy complementarity, suggesting that different energy sources can coexist rather than transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables.
By combining renewable energy with fossil
fuels, Nigeria could reduce carbon. emissions by having a portion of vehicles running on bio-fuels and a significant number of electric vehicles. This approach would improve air quality, reduce
pollution-related health issues, and contribute to a sustainable future.
