Connecting The Dots Grid Decentralization: A Pathway to Maximize RE Potential in Nigeria. by thenextiergroup September 26, 2023 written by thenextiergroup In this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Dr. Damola Omole, Director of Utility Innovation, GEAPP. He joins Emeka Okpukpara to discuss grid decentralization as a pathway to unlock renewable energy potential in Nigeria. This episode explains how a decentralized grid can promote efficiency in the Nigerian power sector and how this approach can pave the way to explore alternative energy sources. This conversation also highlights how GEAPP is using battery technology to address the power supply challenges across Africa and Nigeria. September 26, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Role of States in Electricity Generation and Energy Transition by davidomata September 21, 2023 written by davidomata The most recent constitutional amendment, specifically the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 33, 2022 (on the National Grid System – Part I & II, Second Schedule), received unanimous approval from both Chambers of the National Assembly on March 1, 2022. This amendment grants individual states the authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within areas already integrated into the national grid. President Buhari formalized this amendment by affixing his signature on March 17, 2023. This constitutional amendment presents a significant opportunity to enhance the implementation of the national energy transition plan. It provides a means to enhance energy accessibility and leverage the diverse resources available across the states to optimize Nigeria’s energy mix composition. Domestication of the National Energy Transition PlanWhile Nigeria has an established national energy transition plan, it is imperative for individual states to seamlessly integrate and domesticate this plan within their medium and long-term policy frameworks. Each state boasts a distinctive energy landscape with varying renewable energy resources, infrastructural capabilities, and energy consumption patterns. Through a judicious alignment of the national plan with their specific circumstances, states can strategically optimize their transition endeavours and leverage their available resources through several avenues, such as: • Harnessing Abundant Renewable ResourcesNigeria has many renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. States must conduct thorough assessments to identify and capitalize on their indigenous resources. For instance, states in the northern region can tap into the abundant solar potential. Those in the coastal areas can also explore offshore wind and marine energy options. By strategically deploying renewable energy technologies, states can drastically reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions while electrifying their communities and improving access. • Strengthening Grid InfrastructureA robust and reliable grid infrastructure is the backbone of any successful energy transition. States must invest in upgrading and expanding their transmission and distribution networks to accommodate the increased integration of renewable energy sources. Smart grid technologies, energy storage solutions, and microgrid systems can enhance grid resilience, ensuring a stable and consistent energy supply. • Promoting Energy Efficiency MeasuresImproving energy efficiency is a cornerstone of any sustainable energy strategy. States can implement policies and initiatives to reduce energy wastage in various sectors, including industrial, residential, and commercial. These actions may involve incentivizing energy-efficient technologies, implementing building codes, and encouraging adoption of energy-saving practices. • Encouraging Private Sector ParticipationStates should actively engage with the private sector to attract investments and expertise in renewable energy projects. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive while contributing to the state’s energy transition goals. • Fostering Research and InnovationInvesting in research and developing clean energy technologies is paramount to advancing the energy transition. States can establish research centres, collaborate with academic institutions, and incentivize innovation hubs to drive technological advancements in energy generation and renewable energy technologies. • Prioritising Education and AwarenessEducating the public about the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency is crucial for garnering support and participation. States can implement awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to embrace sustainable energy practices. ConclusionBy capitalizing on this unique opportunity, states have the potential to steer the nation towards a sustainable and prosperous energy future. States can enhance energy generation and efficiency through thorough strategic planning, harnessing local resources, and cultivating innovation. This collaborative effort promises to construct a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape, ensuring a brighter future for future generations. September 21, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Policy Weekly Limits of Changes in Military Commands and International Sanctions in Ending African Coups by soluwajobi September 6, 2023 written by soluwajobi The report of a coup in the Republic of Gabon at the end of August 2023 increased the reality of neighbourhood effects of military coups in sub-Saharan Africa, especially the Sahel, since the last three years when there have been at least ten military coups in the continent, and most of them were successful. Presently, the northern flank of the Nigerian map to the Sahel is fully bordered by new military regimes in countries that include Mali, Chad, Niger, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Guinea. The latest among the coups is the one of Gabon in the Central African region, in which an army officer who is a cousin of President Ali Bongo removed him from power. While removing these regimes offers momentary excitement, the uniformed dictators are unlikely to offer better alternatives in the medium and long term. Besides, external political responses to the coups, such as political and economic sanctions, would only worsen the conditions of ordinary citizens living in prolonged abjection in those countries due to bad governance. Hence, in this edition of Nextier SPD Policy Weekly, we engage the coups in Africa, preemptive acts of military reshuffle and the reactive diplomacies to restore elective rule side by side with the main drivers of the recent military coups in Africa. Click here to download report. September 6, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Policy Weekly Protecting Democracies in Africa through Continental Coalition of Civil Societies by soluwajobi August 23, 2023 written by soluwajobi Reports on the state of global democracy in 2022 reveal the decline in and stagnation of democracy around the world. The situation is worsening in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly in the Sahel, where coup d’état and unconstitutional transfers of power continue to undermine democracy. Since 2019, at least 17 coups have been attempted in the Sahel, leading to unconstitutional transfer of power in Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali and more recently in Niger. Beyond the wave of coups d’état, many sub-Saharan African countries are performing poorly in various democratic indices. This edition of Nextier SPD Policy Weekly explains the democratic backsliding across Africa and advocates for regional coalition building among CSOs for a deeper impact in their efforts to protect democracies. Click here to download report. August 23, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Energy and Tourism by doose June 25, 2023 written by doose Nigeria is a country generously blessed with natural attractions and diverse landscapes. Yet, with this wealth of resources, the country’s tourism industry remains stunted for several reasons, including the epileptic power supply in the country. Hence, alternative energy sources can be pivotal in ensuring sustainable tourism. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (319 million) worldwide and generating 10.4% of the world GDP. As such, if well managed, tourism can catalyze national development. Tourism contributes 3.6% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and experts predict that it can contribute more if adequately harnessed, displacing Nigeria’s mono-economy. The United States, Kenya, South Africa and Dubai have made significant returns for their governments by harnessing the potential of tourism in their country. In 2019, Nigeria ranked 129th out of 136 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, far behind other African countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles, and Egypt, ranked 54th, 61st, and 65th, respectively. This statistic presents an urgent need to address energy access as a core challenge derailing the sector in Nigeria. The tourism and energy sectors are not mutually exclusive, so tourism cannot reach its peak without an improved power sector. The tourism industry is a sector that relies heavily on stable electricity to operate optimally. This is supported by statistics that state that energy is reportedly the second-largest spending category for a tourist business after employment. The tourist industry is also reported to contribute to global emissions significantly. Therefore, exploring alternative energies for sustainable tourism is crucial. In Nigeria, developing economically viable alternative energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and wind power, can offer a sustainable and dependable energy supply for lodging facilities, vacation destinations, and other infrastructure involved in the travel and tourist industry. Traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are sometimes expensive and subject to price volatility in Nigeria. Alternative energy sources are a more economical choice because of their scale. The modular nature of many renewable energy (RE) systems means they can be built or paid for as the energy demand grows, and embedded within the existing energy network, as opposed to large, centralized energy systems. For the tourism sector, increasing the reliability of power supplies and minimizing power outages can be a crucial element of customer satisfaction. Nigeria’s tourism potential extends beyond urban areas to rural communities with unique cultural heritage, landscapes, and wildlife. However, these regions often lack access to reliable electricity. Alternative energy solutions can power guest houses, community centres, and attractions, breeding rural tourism infrastructure and boosting local economies. Globally, there is a looming concern about how the activities of businesses and various sectors affect the environment. The tourism sector is reportedly some of the worst offenders in terms of carbon emissions. Hence, exploring renewable energy sources in this sector indicates the nation’s commitment to climate action. Furthermore, tourist destinations with clean energy technologies are more attractive to investors who are conscious of efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, as customers become more aware of these impacts, demand for cleaner goods and services increases. Embracing alternative energy sources presents an opportunity for Nigeria’s tourism industry to be revived. Tourist sites such as the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba, Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross Rivers, and Yankari Games Reserves in Bauchi could be developed to world standards. Therefore, governments, businesses, and relevant stakeholders must respond through a range of actions, beginning with energy efficiency and continuing with investments in renewable energy. By leveraging alternative energy sources, Nigeria can resuscitate its tourism sector, attract investors, promote sustainability, and unlock economic growth. June 25, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Connecting The Dots Off-Grid Solar Solutions by doose June 5, 2023 written by doose In this week’s episode, our guest is Mr Patrick Tonui, Head of Policy and Regional Strategy GOGLA. He joins us to discuss Off-Grid Solar Solutions, and how these solutions can be leveraged, made affordable and accessible to all. He also highlights GOGLA’s work in accelerating the adoption of Solar solutions and closing the energy gaps that persist in Africa. June 5, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power PunchUncategorized Clean Cooking Technologies by doose May 30, 2023 written by doose The race to fulfil Nigeria’s ambitious plans to achieve Net-Zero by 2060 has created a responsibility for government to check and ensure that anthropogenic activities are reduced to the least possible amount. A pathway to achieving this is through the adoption of clean cooking technologies by households in Nigeria.Clean cooking refers to using purer fuels and energy-efficient modern stoves for domestic use. As of 2020, the share of the population with access to clean cooking technologies was 30.2 per cent, representing less than a quarter of the Nigerian population. Ensuring access to modern cooking solutions is vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) and Nigeria’s Vision 3030 goals. Hence, there is a considerable need to accelerate clean cooking in Nigeria.Below are some examples of clean cooking technologies as approved by the world health organization:Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG): LPG is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer pollutants than traditional biomass fuels. LPG stoves provide a convenient and cleaner alternative for cooking e.g. Methane and butane.Biogas Systems: Biogas is a renewable energy solution produced by the breakdown of organic matter, such as food or animal waste, by anaerobic bacteria in an oxygen-free environment. Biogas systems capture the Methane produced during this process and use it as a cooking fuel.Improved cooking stoves: These are designed to burn fuel more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing smoke emissions. They often have features like insulation, better combustion chambers, and chimneys to direct smoke outside the cooking area.Electric rice cookers: Electric stoves or induction cooktops are powered by electricity and offer a clean and efficient cooking option. However, their widespread adoption in Nigeria may be limited due to electricity access and affordability challenges.Ethanol stoves: Ethanol is produced from sugar plants or other biomass sources. An advantage of the technology is that ethanol provides a higher heat flux with no soot or smoke, and cooking can occur faster and pollution-freeIn developing countries like Nigeria, polluting fuels like wood and charcoal is mainly used for cooking, and the gases emitted from this activity contribute to increasing carbon emissions, which contribute to air pollution—resulting in a range of respiratory diseases like asthma and lung cancer. Statistics show that household air pollution causes more than 4 million deaths every year, mostly affecting women and children who bear the brunt of household activities.Another effect of using unclean fuels like wood and charcoal to cook is that it promotes deforestation, by cutting down of trees to make firewood, thereby, hindering progress towards climate action. Additionally, traditional cooking burdens women and children because they are primarily tasked with sourcing firewood used for traditional cooking. Also, the process can be time-consuming, limiting opportunities to pursue their personal or educational goals.Traditional cooking methods have proved inefficient and harmful to our health, economy and planet. Thus, the adoption of clean cooking technologies is crucial. It is commendable what organizations like the Clean Cooking Alliance and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) are doing to accelerate clean cooking in Nigeria by providing grants and championing domestic policies towards clean cooking adoption. However, there is much work to be done.With the emergence of a new government in Nigeria, clean cooking can be adapted in several ways. This could be through providing clean cooking technologies at a subsidized and affordable rate, especially for people in local communities, providing support through incentivizing companies to produce clean cooking technologies and finally, creating awareness at all levels to educate the masses on clean cooking technologies and its benefits. May 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Connecting The DotsUncategorized Achieving the Energy Transition Plan by doose May 22, 2023 written by doose On this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Tengi George Ikoli, Senior Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute. She joins us to discuss and share her perspective on the Energy Transition Plan. This episode dissects the laid-out frameworks, strategies and innovations to support and drive the success of this plan. May 22, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
African Focus Improving Electricity Distribution Through Smart Grids by davidomata March 30, 2023 written by davidomata Electricity is a crucial resource that powers various sectors of a country’s economy. However, Africa’s electricity distribution infrastructure has been fraught with challenges for many years. Power outages and blackouts are common occurrences that have impeded economic growth and development. However, improving electricity distribution through smart girds has been identified as a solution that could revolutionize Africa’s electricity industry. Smart grids are advanced electricity networks that utilize modern communication and control technologies to monitor and manage the supply and demand of electricity in real time. The primary benefit of smart grids is that they can help to increase the reliability and efficiency of electricity distribution, which is essential for economic growth and development. In Rwanda, the government has made efforts to improve electricity distribution through smart grids by implementing a smart grid project. The project involves the installation of smart meters, distribution automation systems, and energy management software to optimize the operation and control of the country’s electricity network. The system also includes a mobile application that enables customers to monitor their energy consumption and pay their bills online. The project is expected to improve the reliability and quality of the electricity supply, reduce energy losses and theft, and enhance customer service. Another success story of smart grid implementation is in Nigeria. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) introduced a regulatory framework for smart grid technology in 2015. This framework has enabled electricity distribution companies to deploy smart grid technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of their networks. For example, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has implemented a smart grid project that has reduced power outages and improved customer satisfaction. In Egypt, the government has also implemented a smart grid project. The project involves installing advanced distribution automation systems, substation automation systems, and communication networks to optimize the operation and control of the electricity network. The system also includes a central control that enables real-time monitoring and analysis of the electricity flows. The project is expected to improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply, reduce energy losses and emissions, and enhance the grid’s resilience. Improving electricity distribution through smart grids holds many benefits for the African energy space. Smart grids can support economic growth and development by improving the reliability and efficiency of electricity distribution. However, the implementation of smart grid technology requires significant investment and expertise. Therefore, African governments and electricity distribution companies must collaborate with international organizations and technology companies to implement intelligent grid projects successfully March 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
African Focus The Effects of Corruption on Electricity Sector Progress by davidomata March 17, 2023 written by davidomata Africa’s electricity sector is crucial to the continent’s economic and social development but has been plagued by corruption. The effects of corruption on electricity sector progress include poor electricity generation, high energy costs, and low access to electricity in many communities. Corruption in Africa’s electricity sector takes various forms, including embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, and favouritism. These corrupt practices have led to the poor management of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This poor management results in frequent electricity outages, blackouts, and low access to electricity in some areas. For instance, Nigeria is the most populous and economically successful country in Africa, yet it has the challenge of supplying its people with reliable energy. Inefficiency, poor management, and corruption are widespread in Nigeria’s electrical industry. There has been a shortage of investment in the energy infrastructure due to corrupt activities, including bribery, misappropriation of public funds and illicit connections, leading to frequent electricity outages and limited access to electricity. According to a Sahara Reporters story, $16 billion was spent on a botched electricity project. However, three years later, there have been no improvements, and the country only has an electricity access rate of 55.4 per cent. According to a report by the World Bank, South Sudan’s electricity access was just 7.24 per cent in 2020, a 0.53% increase from 2019. A few individuals and companies control the electricity sector, and there is a lack of transparency in the procurement and management of electricity infrastructure projects. South Sudan is the most corrupt nation in the world, according to the 2021 Corruption Perception Index study. The corruption permeating the electricity industry causes electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to deteriorate, resulting in frequent blackouts and high customer energy bills. African governments must demonstrate political will and commitment to tackle the effects of corruption on electricity sector progress. Governments should enact laws and regulations that encourage transparent bidding procedures, public disclosure of contracts and bids, and frequent audits of the energy infrastructure to increase transparency and accountability in the electricity industry. Involving private industry and civil society groups in the management of the electricity sector is also necessary. Civil society organisations may monitor the electricity infrastructure projects and report any instance of corruption. Also, the private sector can provide financial resources and technological know-how to the electricity industry to boost the infrastructure’s effectiveness. Governments should also prioritise renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric when investing since these projects can provide access to clean, dependable, and reasonably priced electricity. Investments in renewable energy will also lessen reliance on fossil fuels and help to slow down the consequences of climate change. In conclusion, corruption in the African electricity sector has slowed development, increased energy bills, and reduced access to electricity in many communities. Governments should prioritise the fight against corruption in the electricity industry and implement laws and policies that encourage accountability and openness. By doing this, the electricity industry in Africa may be developed into a dependable and sustainable energy source, promoting the economic and social advancement of the region. March 17, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
