Nigeria working toward zero-emission pathways as REEEA-A defines roadmap

 REEEA-A set to revolutionize Renewable Energy Sector in Nigeria as they reel out transition  plan

The closing ceremony of the maiden National Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations (REEEA)-Alliance which took place at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday 2nd March  2022 with the theme: “Optimizing opportunities in the Energy Transition Value Chain”, went fruitful as lots of resolutions in the renewable sector was attained.

 The Conference which had six (6) Plenary Sessions and six breakout sessions format with Panelists drawn among delegates, amongst topical issues discussed at the plenary sessions include, Mobilizing Investments for Clean Energy; The Green Hydrogen Initiative; Energy Transition: Policy Implementation for renewable energy and energy efficiency resources; Energy Transition: Organizational Perspective; Investment Opportunities in the Energy Transition Value Chain; The Role of Youth and Gender in the Energy Transition; Emergence of Indigenous PV manufacturing –Market Dynamics and Mechanisms, The Role of Research for Technological Development of the Renewable Energy Sector; Market Activation for Affordable Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Solutions-Prospects and Opportunities,    amongst others.    

 At the end of the two day Conference, delegates resolved that: To support Nigeria Energy Transition Plan as presented by President Muhammadu Buhari during November 2021 Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow UK; That Nigeria can attain the Net Zero Carbon Emission Pathway by 2060 through more use of gas and solar energy power supply, enhanced penetration of Liquified Petroleum Gas for cooking in the households and services through laying a solid foundation for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas conversion in the transport sector; That most of the fossil fuels(petroleum products)should go to industries as raw materials; We commend the passage into law The Nigeria Climate Change Framework Bill (2021).

According to the Chairman Steering Committee, Dr. Imammudeen Talba while outlining resolutions reached at the event, he said,

"This piece of legislation will serve as a catalyst in our match towards zero-emission pathways; That renewable energy and energy-efficient sources remain a key input in Nigeria’s energy transition; That I should key into the emerging green hydrogen sources and its attendant value chain opportunities; That the youth and women should play a prominent role in the energy transition movement. This should be harnessed through funding, capacity development, and awareness creation amongst them; That the 2015 REEEP should be reviewed and updated to be in line with the present reality; We commend the Federal Government for the zeal shown at ensuring that renewable and energy-efficient sources of energy are mainstreamed as investment with private sector participation; That there should clear and result-oriented pathways in meeting up with the Nigeria’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

"This document is key to the realization of Nigeria’s zero emission pathways; There should clear cut roles and responsibilities amongst all energy regulatory and implementing agencies in Nigeria’s energy transition drive in particular, and zero emission pathways in general. There should be much focus from the government on the creation of synergies amongst MDAs in the energy sector; Request the Federal Government to constitute a team to study and align all the policy laws and regulations relating to climate change and renewable energy. That all the MDAs should not relent in their core mandate of driving the energy transition; That science, research, and innovation remain the key to the development of knowledge incubation in the energy transition space;  That the emergence of indigenous PV manufacturing plants in Nigeria will contribute towards boosting the renewable and energy efficiency markets, job creation, and sustainable development of the country;   That the market activation of affordable renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions will enhance access to these solutions amongst the populace, rural and urban; We commend the partners, NESP, GIZ, BMZ and Associations in the Alliance and the funders for a successful conduct of this event; That the Delegates resolve to support the government in her drive towards energy transition, while advising the government to provide the enabling environment for private sector participation.

" While the civil society and the media should be up and doing in disseminating clear information and strong oversight in the implementation of Nigeria’s energy transition plan; Need to have adequate local funding for Renewable Energy in Nigeria."

The transition plan which was signed by Prof Abubakir Sani Sambo, Chairman, BOT, REEEA-A, Dr. Immamudeen Talba, Chairman Steering Committee, REEEA-A Prof Magnus C. Onuoha, Chairman Planning Committee, 2022 National Conference got the attention of the government as the federal government is open for collaboration in other to attain the zero emission in the nearest future.

The two-day event attracted dignitaries such as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu, Deputy Ambassador of Germany Martin Huth, Duke Benjamin, Head of Programme, Nigeria Energy Support Programme(NESP),  Mr. Christian Moenke Project Manager, BSW Solar. Also in attendance are Dr. Emma Fitzgerald, Independent NED SEPLAT Energy, and Expert Adviser to the World Economic Forum (WEF), MS Gina Elisa Lagunes Diaz, Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, amongst others. Also in attendance are heads of the critical Ministries, Department, Agencies(MDAs) such as Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, MD Rural Electrification Agency(REA); Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, MD/CEO Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) and Engr. Tukur Aliyu MD Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), The Honourable Minister of State Power Hon. Goddy Jedy-Agba and DG, Energy Commission of Nigeria(ECN),  Prof Eli Jidere Bala were ably represented, Private sector practitioners, academics, the civil society organization and media, diplomatic corps, development partners, among other numerous participants.