Experts at CADEF Webinar Advocate for Renewable Energy Solutions Amid Nigeria’s Energy Crisis

Experts speaking at the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) webinar on Thursday have reiterated the need to address Nigeria’s energy challenges through the promotion of distributed energy resources (DER).

They highlighted this during a recent seminar titled “The DER Advantage: Turning Energy Deficits into Renewable Opportunities in Nigeria.”

The seminar featured distinguished experts, including Mr. Bolaji Ojediran, Dr. Mary Adedoyin, Sub-Dean at the Faculty of Engineering, Lagos State University; and Mr. Joseph Inyang, Chief Technical Officer at Just Standout Limited. These experts provided valuable insights into the potential of renewable energy to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, in her opening speech, emphasized the critical need for reliable electricity in Nigeria, especially in light of the frequent national grid failures. “Access to reliable electricity is essential for the growth and sustainability of our economy,” she said.

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor highlighted CADEF’s efforts to educate consumers about DER, particularly solar energy. “An informed consumer is an intelligent consumer,” she noted.

CADEF’s website, der.cadef.org, offers resources on solar energy potential by region, financing opportunities, and a directory of vetted professionals and vendors.

The foundation is also advocating for policy reforms to support DER adoption, including tax incentives, import duty waivers, and financing schemes.

“We need to increase private and public partnerships to implement solar microgrid projects in underserved areas,” Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor added.

Speaking at the webinar, Mr. Bolaji Ojediran, a seasoned systems analyst and IT trainer, attributed the frequent collapses of the country’s power grid to outdated grid infrastructure, stressing that the incessant outages have resulted in significant economic losses, with the country losing 4-7% of its GDP.

He explained that the current grid was established in 1962 to serve 46 million people but now struggles to support the country’s current population of 234 million.

The lack of significant infrastructure investment has led to frequent grid failures, with 46 collapses recorded between 2017 and 2022.

Comparing Nigeria’s grid performance to other countries, Mr. Ojediran noted that Brazil, with a higher renewable energy mix, has experienced only four grid collapses. India, with a significant renewable energy component, has had 28 collapses.

To address the grid challenges, Mr. Ojediran advocated for the adoption of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), which include small-scale energy generation or storage technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage.

To transition to a more reliable grid, Mr. Ojediran recommended upgrading infrastructure through initiatives like the Presidential Power Initiative, promoting DER adoption through incentives and community engagement, and policy reforms to support grid modernization.

“By adopting these measures, Nigeria can reduce grid collapses, increase energy efficiency, and promote economic growth,” he noted.

Dr. Mary Adedoyin, Sub-Dean at the Faculty of Engineering, Lagos State University, emphasized the crucial role of renewable energy in Africa’s industrial development.

She noted that renewable energy derived from natural resources like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Dr. Adedoyin emphasized the importance of renewable energy in Africa, stating that it provides a clean and sustainable path for industrial development, creates jobs, attracts investments, stimulates local economies, and empowers communities.

She advocated for transitioning to renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints, promote sustainable development, and drive industrial growth.

Renewable energy is vital for Africa’s industrial development, offering sustainable growth, economic empowerment, and energy security. Embracing renewable energy will mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier environment.