Over 100 top renewable energy (RE) industry leaders will be working together to provide RE solutions that will cut down the number of Nigerians without electricity, a statement from Power for All, a global RE advocacy network has said.
Signed by the Nigerian campaign director of Power for All, Ify Malo, the statement explained that through a newly launched platform – the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), these firms will work in, and support the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.
REAN, according to Malo was launched at the just-ended West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC) in Lagos.
The platform, she said is an umbrella association for organizations working across the renewable energy spectrum within the country, including renewable energy enterprises, project developers and promoters.
It will provide a strong private sector voice to call for policies which catalyze the growth of the renewable energy market, and increase finance to the sector.
Also, REAN’s goal will be for renewable energy – including solar, hydro, biomass and wind, to contribute up to 40% of Nigeria’s national energy mix by 2030.
As at today, Malo said 96 million people in Nigeria lack access to energy, which is by far the largest number of any country in Africa.
She noted that although Nigeria’s grid capacity is over 12,000MW, only 4,500MW is available due to a chronic lack of investment.
“Decentralized and renewable energy solutions provide a fast and affordable way to increase power generation and energy access. Greater support for renewable solutions is also critical for meeting the country’s ambitious climate goals set out this month at COP22.”
“REAN’s members manufacture, install, maintain, sell and finance an array of renewable energy solutions, from rapidly deployable decentralized technologies – including household solar, renewable mini-grids and off-grid irrigation systems – to larger grid connected solutions,” said Malo in the statement.
The statement equally quoted REAN’s President, Mr. Segun Adaju to have said: “At this critical time for energy and climate, we are delighted so many renewable energy enterprises are coming together to support the launch of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria.”
Adaju added: “It is vital for the sector to have a united voice with which to call for supportive policy, financing and regulation. We hope that many more organisations will join the association in the coming days and weeks, and join our efforts to ensure that all Nigerians can access clean, safe power.”
REAN’s emergence has reportedly been supported by its founding members, as well as national and international organizations that include the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN), Heinrich Boll Foundation, the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association and Power for All.
