By Ify Onyekwere
A recent edition of The Development Report Show explored the pressing issues of global energy trends, featuring Dr. Peter Ekweozor MNI, former Director of Environmental Sciences at the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Dr. Ekweozor’s insights on the 17th of August 2024 illuminated the complexities surrounding climate change, energy security, and the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy, particularly in developing nations. His discourse offers a deep understanding of the current energy sector and the critical need for strategic policies and innovations to address these global challenges.
Dr. Ekweozor began by emphasizing the dual challenges the world faces today: climate change and environmental degradation. These issues are exacerbated by the difficulties developing countries encounter in securing energy access, which in turn hampers their transition to renewable energy. For many of these nations, the high cost of renewable energy technologies remains a significant barrier, preventing them from fully embracing the shift towards sustainable energy sources.
In discussing global strides in renewable energy, Dr. Ekweozor pointed to the United Kingdom and Scotland as prime examples. As early as 2013, Scotland set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve over 40% renewable energy in their energy mix. They implemented the Renewable Heat Incentive policy, which allowed institutions like schools to generate power using solar energy and sell excess power to community microgrids at competitive prices. This policy not only encouraged the use of renewable energy but also fostered community-level energy independence.
The role of government in fostering renewable energy development was another critical point in Dr. Ekweozor’s interview. He stressed that the government must establish and enforce standards, particularly in ensuring that only the best quality batteries are imported into Nigeria. Furthermore, he advocated for governmental support in incentivizing institutions to invest in renewable energy technologies, which could significantly accelerate the country’s energy transition.
Dr. Ekweozor shared a personal anecdote from his stay in a remote hotel in Germany, where the hotel owner supplied electricity to the government and profited by selling to the national grid. This example highlighted how even small-scale producers could contribute to the energy mix while benefiting economically, a model that could be replicated in developing nations with the right policies and support.
Germany’s success in renewable energy, particularly in storage solutions, was underscored as a shining example of what can be achieved through research, innovation, and integrity. According to Dr. Ekweozor, developed countries have made significant progress by incorporating renewable energy into their infrastructure through grid integration. In contrast, Nigeria’s national grid faces frequent collapses due to poor maintenance and lack of investment in new infrastructure. This comparison starkly illustrates the need for serious regulatory enforcement and investment in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Dr. Ekweozor also touched on the potential of local governments to spearhead community-based initiatives for power generation. Such initiatives could stimulate local economies, providing employment opportunities for young people and reducing the need for migration to urban centers. This approach aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Ekweozor noted that Nigeria has made significant strides through various policy, regulatory, and institutional frameworks. The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation has played a pivotal role, particularly in developing policies that add value to the country’s raw materials and energy resources. However, he acknowledged that funding remains a critical obstacle to fully realizing these policies.
Investment in research, particularly in the public sector, is crucial for long-term energy solutions. Dr. Ekweozor highlighted the efforts under the Buhari administration, which included a comprehensive technology needs assessment for climate change mitigation and adaptation and the approval of a national technology action plan for Nigeria in May 2023. These initiatives, he noted, are essential for gaining access to climate finance and grants, which are vital for advancing renewable energy projects in the country.
Dr. Ekweozor concluded the interview with a call to action for young people, urging them to acquire the skills necessary to write bankable proposals. This, he argued, is crucial for securing the funding needed to drive innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition.
The interview conducted by Ify Onyekwere, underscored the importance of these discussions in shaping the future of energy in Nigeria and beyond. The insights shared by Dr. Ekweozor highlight the critical need for a coordinated approach to energy policy, investment in research and technology, and the active involvement of young people in the energy sector. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy security, such conversations are vital for charting a sustainable path forward.
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Great work on energy policy.