Power Punch The West African Power Pool (WAPP) by omiesam October 30, 2023 written by omiesam Electricity demands in West African countries have rapidly increased over the last decades. However, meeting these demands has been a formidable challenge for the region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) estimated electricity demand to double its present levels by 2030 with an average annual growth rate of 6%. This situation is why the ECOWAS heralded the pool of power resources in the region to facilitate cross-border electricity trade. WAPP: a specialised institution? ECOWAS member states established the WAPP to curtail regional power deficits in 2000. By 2006, The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted the Article of Agreement in Niamey, which recognised WAPP as a specialised institution. The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), in conjunction with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), was established to develop a functional model on system reliability and electricity market design to provide market operations standards based on the existing national electricity markets within the ECOWAS region. This structure allows member and non-member states to retain regulatory sovereignty over their national grids and cross-border interconnectors. A cursory examination of WAPP’s institutional set-up also reveals this intention. The WAPP was designed to augment and not replace domestic electricity markets and systems. Existing WAPP projects Several inter-country electricity trading have been launched since WAPP’s inception in 2006. Some of these WAPP projects include: Birnin Kebbi (Nigeria) – Niamey (Niger Republic) – Ougadougou (Burkina Faso) – Bemebreke (Benin Republic) 330KV WAPP North Core Transmission Project. 2nd Line 330KV Ikeja West (Nigeria) – Sakete (Benin Republic) Transmission Line. The Organisation of the Development of the River Senegal line connecting Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania to a hydropower plant in Senegal enabled trading from 2002. The Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River linked the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal. However, these cross-border electricity markets were inefficient due to three primary reasons. First, there were no clear regional market rules. Secondly, electricity supply contracts were not securitised but politicised. Thirdly, the limited reach of the market resulted in more discrepancies between countries engaged in trading and those not. To resolve these discrepancies, WAPP consolidated regional market rules and processes in 2015 to harmonise and launch the regional electricity market (REM) three years later. WAPP: from a Nigerian lens Nigeria’s liberalisation of its electricity market impacts the feasibility of WAPP. Although WAPP has recorded several milestones, such as the synchronism of the interconnected system to advance works on the 225 kV Cote d’Ivoire – Liberia – Sierra Leone – Guinea interconnection project. The Nigerian state governments’ legal authority to create their state electricity laws and markets makes coordination more bureaucratic and complex. The Electricity Act 2021 devolved powers to the states because of the poor coordination of market processes at the federal level. Therefore, advancing a West African regional pool would involve a circle back to central coordination, which is unlikely. Thus, even though the institution has presented its objective as primarily technical rather than political, coordinating market processes for the power pool may become more bureaucratic and complex as states exercise their regulatory autonomy. A West Africa Power Pool is beneficial due to the significant economies of scale advantages. However, achieving WAPP’s infrastructural objective(s), though presented as purely technical, also necessitates political balancing and will from member and non-member states. October 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Connecting The Dots Spotlighting Opportunities in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan by thenextiergroup October 27, 2023 written by thenextiergroup In August 2022, Nigeria launched its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) to address energy poverty and climate change, aiming for SDG7 by 2030 and net zero by 2060. While challenges are on the horizon, spotlighting the opportunities in Nigeria’s ETP can foster support and catalyze this transition. In this episode, we are joined by Lolade Abiola, Programme Manager of the Energy Transition Office, to discuss the benefits of implementing the ETP and how we can collectively materialize its objectives. October 27, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
African Focus Reinvesting Fuel Subsidy Funds for Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan by davidomata October 2, 2023 written by davidomata The discontinuation of fuel subsidies in Nigeria presents an opportunity to redirect significant financial resources towards the nation’s pressing energy transition goals. This policy paper outlines a comprehensive strategy for reinvesting the erstwhile subsidy funds into the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan. By examining successful case studies from other nations, this proposal offers concrete recommendations for maximizing the socio-economic benefits of this transition. Before the subsidy removal, Nigeria allocated an average of 400 billion naira monthly to fuel subsidies. Some funds can now be channelled towards the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan, which requires $17.7 billion annually to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable and diversified energy sector. Utilizing Subsidy Funds to Achieve Universal Energy Access, Net-zero Emissions, and Economic Growth Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture in its energy trajectory. The recent removal of fuel subsidies has unlocked a reservoir of financial resources that can be strategically deployed to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future. Reinvesting fuel subsidy funds for Nigeria’s energy transition plan promises to achieve three pivotal goals: universal energy access by 2030, net-zero emissions by 2060, and concurrently, driving industrialization, job creation, and economic growth. Universal Energy Access: Millions of Nigerians now lack reliable access to power, obstructing advancements in healthcare, education, and economic growth. Nigeria may increase access to energy by emphasizing investments in off-grid and mini-grid alternatives and enhancing the national grid’s infrastructure. This will change people’s lives and help companies and communities become self-sufficient and productive. Net-Zero Emissions: The urgency to combat climate change cannot be overstated. Committing to net-zero emissions by 2060 places Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to curb environmental degradation. In this regard, reinvesting fuel subsidy funds for Nigeria’s energy transition plan can accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, which produce negligible greenhouse gas emissions. Nigeria can substantially reduce its carbon footprint by incentivizing clean energy projects and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, safeguarding the environment for future generations. Industrialization, Job Creation, and Economic Growth: Industrialization is the bedrock of economic development in any country. Nigeria can unlock unprecedented economic potential by channelling subsidy resources towards fostering a conducive industry environment. Investments in renewable sectors and reliable and affordable power supply will stimulate manufacturing and production. This, in turn, translates into substantial job creation, particularly in local communities, providing livelihoods and driving economic prosperity. Key Recommendations Establish a Dedicated Energy Transition Fund: Establishing a dedicated Energy Transition Fund is a critical step in ensuring the effective allocation and management of resources for Nigeria’s ambitious energy transition goals. This fund would serve as a centralized financial vehicle designated for projects and initiatives related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies. By creating a dedicated fund, Nigeria can streamline investments, enhance transparency, and attract additional sources of financing. We may draw some lessons from Germany and France’s Energy transition initiatives. Germany’s Energiewende program, one of the most renowned energy transition initiatives globally, established a dedicated fund known as the “EEG Account” (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz). This fund collects fees from electricity consumers and redistributes them to support renewable energy projects. It ensures a stable funding source for expanding renewable energy capacities and has played a pivotal role in Germany’s transition to a low-carbon energy system. France has set up the “Energy Transition for Green Growth Fund” (Fonds de transition énergétique pour la croissance verte) to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation projects. This fund provides grants, loans, and guarantees to projects that align with France’s energy transition objectives. Leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Foster collaborations with private sector entities to co-finance and implement projects within the energy transition plan. Provide incentives such as tax breaks, concessions, and guarantees to attract private investment. Invest in Research and Development (R&D): Allocate a certain amount of funding to promoting R&D in renewable energy technology at Nigeria’s post-secondary institutions. This strategic investment will promote a localized culture of sustainable energy solutions by enabling academic and research groups to lead ground-breaking discoveries. Nigeria can develop a cadre of professionals capable of leading the country’s transition to renewable energy sources by investing resources in higher education institutions, placing Nigeria at the forefront of the world’s green energy revolution. This strategy creates a solid basis for long-term energy innovation and independence and improving technological capability. Prioritise Capacity Building and Workforce Development: Select bright young people from each Nigerian state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to get specialized training in renewable energy technologies as part of a focused strategy to prioritize capacity building and workforce development. Resources will be devoted to on-the-job skill development, organized academic programmes, and vocational training under this programme. Nigeria will create a skilled workforce that embraces the idea of a sustainable energy future by investing in the development of this diverse cohort, guaranteeing fair representation and knowledge across regions. This strategy encourages national cohesion and regional empowerment to advance the energy transformation agenda and address the urgent demand for specialized skills. Monitor Progress and Adapt Strategies: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the impact of investments. Adjust strategies based on performance indicators, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. Conclusion Reinvesting fuel subsidy funds for Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan is crucial to resilient and sustainable energy growth. By adopting lessons from successful overseas case studies, Nigeria may hasten the transition to a greener, more financially viable energy future. The policy paper’s suggestions offer a tactical road map for achieving these objectives. October 2, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Off-grid and On-grid Utilities Tango by omiesam August 15, 2023 written by omiesam Decarbonization has become a global priority. As a result, utilities in the Nigerian electricity supply chain must find innovative ways to transition to low-carbon electricity to achieve improved energy access and net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. Regulatory Overview The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is the primary regulator of the electricity sector. The utilities in the Nigerian electricity value chain are partly owned and operated by the government and private companies. Section 80 and 167 of the Electricity Act (‘the Act’) 2023 mandates NERC to promote renewable sourced electricity and consider technology, financial viability, and impact on tariffs to ensure sustainably, respectively. Alongside this, section 164 of the Act further directs the NERC to develop and publish policies that: 1. simplify the licensing requirements for renewable energy service frameworks; 2. specify the responsibilities of renewable energy service companies in generation, transmission, and distribution activities for energy-generated capacity into the national grid and distribution network; and 3. provide guidelines for issuance on net-metering for roof-top solar PV systems, small wind power per the Act and renewable energy standards on installation, decommissioning and disposal of renewable energy accessories. The Challenge? The regulator is yet to show commitment to the objectives mentioned above. For instance, the NERC is yet to update the 2015 Regulations on Feed-in Tariff for Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity in Nigeria and provide guidelines on the rates that public utilities may charge for electricity generated from renewable per s.168 of the Act. The current regulation only prescribes feed-in tariff rates for the 2016 base year, which is problematic because s.169 of the Act stipulates that public utilities shall not demand a feed-in-tariff for electricity generated from renewable sources unless the billable rate has been approved and published by the NERC in the Federal Government Gazette and the mass media. As such, distribution utilities cannot buy or negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with a renewable energy generator unless they are under the guidelines published by NERC. On the other hand, critics may rebut this observation by highlighting the incentives for renewable energy participation as a signal of the sector’s commitment. Section 166 of the Act mandates the Federal Ministry of Finance to introduce incentives to facilitate the generation and consumption of energy from renewable energy sources. Some of the incentives include: 1. tax exemption: utility companies engaged in generating electricity from renewable energy sources are granted pioneer status (tax exemption) for the first three years, renewable for another two years; 2. duty allowance for imports and exports of renewable machinery and materials; 3. free custom duties for two years on the importation of equipment and materials used in renewable and energy efficiency projects; 4. guaranteed purchase of power generated – the Feed-in Tariff Regulation for Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity directs distribution companies and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company to each procure 50% of the total output of a renewable energy plant; and 5. five-year tax exemption for prospective manufacturers of renewable energy machinery from the commencement date of manufacturing, amongst others. Although these initiatives are commendable, the bureaucratic challenges for decentralized energy projects to participate in the electricity market outweigh the incentives. Bureaucratic challenges such as complex licensing and approval processes and sub-optimal political priorities have delayed the seamless integration of off-grid renewable energy. Nigeria generates its electricity through thermal and hydro, resulting in heavy dependence on the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is a dominant sector in Nigeria with influential personalities. Thus, prioritizing the mix of renewable systems to the national grid would result in a dip in profits, and such an outcome may not be ideal. Moreover, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in July 2023, unveiled a policy to propel gas investment of about $18 billion to offset Nigeria’s $1 billion gas legacy debt. Conclusion The power sector is crucial in achieving Nigeria’s decarbonization targets. Therefore, the NERC must take active steps to ensure that the integration of off-grid systems envisaged in the Electricity Act is implemented. August 15, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Beyond Electrification: Productive Use of Energy by doose August 7, 2023 written by doose Energy access is a crucial part of transforming the quality of our well-being. Stable electricity drives industrialization, innovation, and infrastructural development, attracting investment and economic growth and development. The essentiality of energy explains why the government and several development agencies continue to fund varying projects toward advancing energy access for all. However, beyond electrification projects, there is a need to ensure the sustainability of these projects. To sustain the viability and bankability of the projects, incorporating energy for productive usage into electrification programs is critical. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) defines productive electricity use as “Any use of electricity that generates income for the user”. The productive use of energy (PUE) involves the application of energy in agricultural, commercial, and industrial activities for economic growth, local resilience, and self-reliance. For example, accelerating access through energy-efficient electric productive appliances and equipment such as grinding machines, solar cold storage, welding machines, and industrial sewing machines can empower communities. In Nigeria, electricity use among poorer households is mainly limited to low-power appliances, such as lightbulbs, radios and phone chargers. As the off-grid sector continues to grow and evolve beyond essential household lighting, utilities strive to stimulate additional demand. As a result, attention is drawn to using PUE systems to boost consumer energy demand. Electricity demand does not grow automatically when there is electrification. Many communities in the global south are poor and require further support to increase their income and productivity and, in turn, afford electricity. Therefore, ensuring that electrification programs directly influence livelihoods and revenue creation is critical for long-term sustainability. Increasing revenue can be accomplished through the productive use of energy. As the uptake of new lines rises due to electricity use during productive activities, value is created, and energy demand is ultimately enhanced. According to the Africa Development Bank, among the 420 million people in Africa between the ages of 15 and 35, 30% are unemployed. PUE systems use can be employed in income generation at various levels. When energy is employed efficiently in entrepreneurial endeavours, businesses are expanded, and as a result, more jobs are created, thus promoting local economic development. Increased income levels lead to improved financial stability, empowering individuals to afford the energy they consume. In 2022, NERC revealed in their Q4 report that DisCos had failed to meet their ATC &C loss targets. As more people become gainfully employed through the adoption of PUE systems or programs, they are better positioned to pay for electricity, and in turn, the DisCos are better off. Productive energy utilization holds enormous potential. As such, championing more programs like the Nigerian Electrification Program (NEP) with a core objective of increasing the productive use of energy in rural areas is crucial. However, numerous challenges must be resolved. For example, a lack of awareness around productive energy use can derail its adoption. Hence, closing the knowledge gaps through awareness creation on PUE opportunities is a much-needed action. Additionally, limited access to cash and technology can hinder the deployment of energy-driven businesses. Governments and organizations can support energy-related entrepreneurial endeavours by creating financing mechanisms via financial incentives, grants, and subsidies, making them accessible to low-income individuals and communities. As Africa gears toward universal energy access by 2030, enhancing energy affordability through productive energy consumption is a transformational strategy to strengthen communities and promote sustainable economic progress. We can remove obstacles and give people the power to determine their futures by considering energy as a resource that is both a consumable and a catalyst for success. Governments, energy companies, and other stakeholders can work together to create a world where energy is available, affordable, and beneficial to everyone while ensuring environmental stewardship. August 7, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Is Nigeria Returning to Coal Mining? by omiesam July 20, 2023 written by omiesam Nigeria symbolized its commitment to limiting global warming by launching its thirty-seven-year Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The World Bank estimates that about ninety-one million Nigerians still don’t have access to electricity, indicating Nigeria’s energy poverty. As a result, the President announced a return to coal mining to close energy access gaps; however, this response is insufficient for climate change mitigation. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) announced the investor call for public bids on the following five blocks in Enugu State: Amasiodo Coal Block; Onyeama Coal Block; Okpara Coal Block; Inyi Coal Block; and AgwasiAzagba Coal Block. Why is Nigeria Returning to Coal Mining? One may interpret Nigeria’s return to coal mining as a sign of a liquidity crisis. The World Bank Poverty Outlook for Nigeria revealed that only 3.7% of the nation’s revenue was unused to service debts. As of June 2023, Nigeria’s inflation records at 22.2%, outpacing wage growth. With these economic indicators, the government does not have the money to fund renewable energy projects to improve electricity access. However, operationalizing coal mining activities is counterproductive to attracting prospective investments to support the ETP’s $410 billion objectives. In the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 June editorial, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) analysis indicated a continuous plummet in investments in Nigeria and other African countries. The IRENA further predicts access to financing to become more constrained due to the unfavourable risk-return profiles of African countries. Nigeria should dredge people-centred approaches such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) to achieve near-zero emissions and bridge the energy access gap. People-Centred Approaches: why JETPs? Just Energy Transition Partnerships is a financing mechanism that combines climate mitigation with energy access. It incorporates blended financing that addresses socioeconomic consequences, enabling Nigeria to achieve low-cost energy access, economic empowerment and industry competitiveness. The objective of a JETP is to allow wealthier nations to fund coal-dependent countries’ transition towards clean energy according to the receiving country’s transition plan. Focusing on increasing house income reduces the dependence on fossil fuels such as charcoal and firewood is preferable to mainstreaming charcoal use to increase energy access. The elasticity between household income and fossil fuels used is apparent. International organizations such as Sustainable Energy For All (SE4All) have endorsed the adoption of JETPs as a technological solution to clean energy transition. On the other hand, JETPs have not been wholly welcomed. Industry experts have objected to its full-scale adoption, concluding JETPs to be narrow. Critics opine that transition designs must be heterogenetic to reflect the diversity of countries’ energy demands, oil and gas dependence and its contribution to GDP, energy level and type of energy needs. Also, the minimal footprint of Africa’s emissions has been emphasized as justification for new fossil fuel energy investments. However, regard must be given to Africa’s minimal past emissions because of its lack of industrialization. The global North has been the most significant emitter because of its heavy fossil-fueled industrial activities. For example, China and the U.S. China is rated the largest emitter of coal-generated carbon, with 10,668 million metric tons emitted in 2020; whilst the U.S. is the primary producer of crude oil. So, if African industries rely on coal and gas for energy generation, Africa’s footprint will inadvertently increase, which is ecologically harmful. Foreign investors have signalled intentions to withdraw support for fossil-reliant projects. While seeking $10 billion annually to fund its ETP, mainstreaming coal use is an investor deterrent and an impediment. Thus, it may leave Nigeria with stranded assets. July 20, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch RE as a Means to Improve Agriculture in Nigeria by doose March 20, 2023 written by doose Despite Nigeria’s enormous agricultural potential, the sector remains largely under-tapped. More than 80 per cent of farmers in Nigeria are smallholder farmers who face numerous challenges, including low productivity due to a lack of adoption of improved farming methods, inputs and access to credit. Hence, the need to explore the option of renewable energy (RE) as a means to improve agriculture in Nigeria. Many rural farmers rely on rain to meet their agricultural needs, which has proven inefficient and unreliable. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on our food systems, dependency on the rain will become even more unreliable. RE solutions offer an opportunity to address these challenges and develop Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The first step to achieving sustainable agriculture is to understand how vital energy is to its progress and growth. Agriculture constitutes Nigeria’s most significant non-oil revenue, contributing 24.45 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 and employing about 70 per cent of the entire labour force. Modern agriculture requires energy to power farm machinery, equipment and facilities. Adopting clean technologies for our agricultural production and processing systems is critical to moving beyond subsistence farming towards commercial agriculture. This would enable food security, added value in rural areas and expansion into new agricultural markets. Exploring RE as a means to improve agriculture in Nigeria can be achieved using solar photovoltaic panels to aid the preservation of food products, especially in the country’s northern regions. Nigeria’s geographical position along the equator ensures adequate sunshine, giving a high potential for solar energy utilization. Also, solar energy can power irrigation systems, reducing the dependence on rainfall and increasing crop yields. Wind energy can as well be harnessed to power farms and rural communities, providing reliable and affordable energy. In addition, huge volumes of agricultural wastes can be converted into potential sources of energy that can be plowed back into agricultural production and processing activities with the use of a biodigester. These waste products include livestock manure, corn cobs, cassava peelings, rice husks, groundnut shells, sawdust. Exploring RE as a means to improve agriculture has shown great promise in some African countries. In 2022, Kenya launched the first agrivoltaics system, developed to deliver solar electricity, crop production and rainwater harvesting on the same land area to provide to provide food security benefits. Despite the potential benefits RE solutions in developing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, several challenges include a lack of awareness about these solutions, high costs, limited technical expertise among farmers, and a lack of supportive policies and regulations to promote adoption. In addressing these challenges faced in the agricultural sector, there is a need for increased investment in RE technologies and infrastructure, which includes providing financing options accessible to smallholder farmers and rural communities. Furthermore, awareness and education on RE technologies among farmers and rural communities must be increased. This is achievable through training programs and awareness campaigns. Finally, supportive policies and regulations are crucial to promoting the adaptation of RE solutions in the agricultural sector. These policies can include incentives for farmers and rural communities to adopt these technologies and regulations that encourage integrating RE solutions in agricultural value chains. RE solutions offer a significant opportunity to develop Nigeria’s agricultural sector and address the challenges that hinder its growth. By investing in these technologies and infrastructure, increasing awareness and education on renewable energy technologies, and promoting supportive policies and regulations, Nigeria can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector and achieve sustainable development. March 20, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
LADIES The Role of Climate Finance in Enabling an Inclusive Energy Transition by aisi February 7, 2023 written by aisi For the first episode of the 2023 Ladies in Africa Developing Innovative Energy Solutions (LADIES) podcast series, our guest is Dana Elhassan, the principal expert on gender, youth and inclusion at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Ms Elhassan joins us to discuss the importance of climate finance in ensuring that the global energy transition is inclusive, especially for marginalised populations like women. February 7, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Impacts of Clean Energy on Sustainable Urban Development by doose January 30, 2023 written by doose As the world’s population rises exponentially, there is a simultaneous increase in anthropogenic activities and global emissions, speeding up climate change effects on our planet. Thus, there is an urgency to employ clean energy in sustaining our cities. However, what are the impacts of clean energy on sustainable urban development? In 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that cities account for 70 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and face natural disasters such as flooding and heat stress because of climate change. For this reason, the united nations, through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have called for the promotion of clean energy towards sustainable urban development. Achieving sustainable development requires a significant transformation in how cities are built and managed. With buildings emitting more energy-related carbon globally than the entire transport sector, experts say adopting green building standards in the housing industry can reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience to the effects of climate change. As urban cities become congested, waste generation and disposal become critical. However, anaerobic decomposition could provide a solution. Methane-rich biogas is produced when biodegradable waste is decomposed in the absence of oxygen. If the decomposed waste is from non-fossil sources such as food and green waste, the biogas produced can help offset carbon emissions, generate energy and provide a solution to growing waste disposal issues. Incorporating solar or wind energy into urban planning is also necessary to diversify the energy mix of future cities. These renewable energy sources do not produce the harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) associated with traditional fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy can also help to improve air quality in cities, which is particularly important for the health and well-being of residents. It makes economic sense that the impacts of clean energy on sustainable urban development be harnessed. In Nigeria, incorporating clean energy in urban designs will grow wealth and create jobs while contributing to global climate action. In addition, it will create opportunities in research, development, and manufacturing, leading to a more diverse and resilient economy. Several countries have begun incorporating clean energy into their cities. For example, South Africa is exploring the production and use of biofuels in transport, using renewables for facilities such as depots and transport interchanges, and replacing the municipal diesel bus fleet with electric buses. Sweden also aims to be the first fossil fuel-free country in the world. According to the country’s official site, about 75 per cent of electricity production comes from hydroelectric (45 per cent) and nuclear (30 per cent) power. It is worth noting that Nigeria has made some efforts towards promoting sustainable urban development through ambitious targets and programs. One such effort is the Nigerian energy transition plan that hopes to guide the country to achieve net zero by 2060. Despite this, Nigeria’s energy mix currently relies heavily on fuel fossils. Adopting clean energy for sustainable urban development would require promoting eco-friendly substitutes for raw materials for urban settlements, investing in green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management through participation and inclusion. In addition, sustainability discussions must be fostered with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society. Building sustainable cities cannot take a back seat in fighting for a better Nigeria. More initiatives that place sustainability at the core of urban development must vigorously be encouraged if we must leave a habitable planet for generations to come. January 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Energy and Poverty by aisi November 4, 2022 written by aisi According to Development Initiatives, living in poverty means lacking the resources required to meet basic needs, which can be social, economic, nutritional, cultural or multidimensional. Today, the global community faces poverty at different stages, which can only be eradicated through development. However, for development to occur, one of the most important factors is access to reliable and sustainable energy. This, therefore, directly creates a link between the availability of energy and poverty. Living in poverty holds a lot of disadvantages at the individual, societal and economic levels. With people living in poverty being vulnerable, some of these challenges include food insecurity, increased mortality and poor educational attainment. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), about 600 million people still live in extreme poverty; that is, they live on less than $1.90 a day. The main objective of Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1) is to end poverty in all its forms. However, this can hardly be achieved with the global energy access deficit especially affecting rural communities. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 700 million people around the world still lack access to electricity. Most of these people live in rural communities that may be too far for grid extensions, or the inhabitants of these communities do not have sources of income to pay for energy. According to the IFAD, two out of three people living in extreme poverty reside in rural areas. This estimates a total of 400 million people, 67 per cent of the global population in extreme poverty. These statistics further imply that individuals living in these conditions barely have access to employment, healthcare services and other basic needs. However, all of these conditions can be improved on with access to energy and further concretise the link between energy and poverty. Coupled with the fact that the global energy industry is transitioning to be more sustainable, off-grid energy solutions would effectively energise underserved and unserved areas that national grids cannot service. Today, around the world, solutions developers provide customers with flexible payment options that allow them to pay for energy conveniently. Also, developers and industry stakeholders at different levels have begun to collaborate to create productive use of energy programmes to electrify communities while also creating employment and enabling income generation. An example of a productive use of energy programme is the Power Africa-Nigeria Power Sector Programme’s Productive Use Solar Irrigation Systems in Nigeria. Another example is the Africa Energy Programme by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), which aims to enable the productive use of energy tied to local economic development. The key to eradicating poverty in all its forms is enabling individual growth, which would ripple into economic development. However, for this to be possible, there must be access to sustainable energy for businesses, healthcare, agriculture, education and other primary industries to thrive. Therefore, the relationship between access to energy and poverty is quite significant if the global community ever plans to achieve the targets of SDG1. November 4, 2022 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
