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Expert decries low investment in renewable energy in Africa

An international analyst on renewable energy innovation for developing countries at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), United Arab Emirates, Arina Anisie, has decried low investment in renewable energy in Africa.

Anisie made the observation virtually in Nsukka on Wednesday in a Lead Paper presentation during a conference organized by the Sustainable, Clean and Emerging Energy Technologies Group (SCEET-G) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The conference was in collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), with the theme, "Clean Energy Systems for Sustainable Power and Environment."

Anisie said that statistics available show that Africa has only 2 per cent of renewable energy investment globally which she said was not enough to achieve sustainable renewable energy in the continent.

"There is an urgent need for more investment to go into Africa in terms of renewable energy if the continent wants to achieve sustainable renewable energy.

"Statistics has shown that Africa has only 2 per cent investments on renewable energy which is not enough towards achieving United Nation's goal 7 which entails ensuring access to clean and affordable energy by 2030," she said.

According to her, more investments in renewable energy will not only improve electricity in the continent but will also create jobs and increase foreign exchange.

In a remark, Mr. Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI said that the agency is strategically positioned under the presidency with a first-line charge to fast-track the development of a strong science and technology base in Nigeria.

"NASENI has the mandate to fast track the development of a strong science and technology base in the country.

"The world is urgently moving away from burning fossil fuels which releases planet-warming CO2 to a wide range of systems like nuclear, solar, geothermal, bioenergy, water, wind, and hydroelectric energy sources as alternative innovative solutions of clean energy technologies," he said.

Halilu, who was represented by Prof. Umar Ibrahim Gaya, Coordinating Director Science Infrastructure, NASENI, said further that the agency in 2011 established solar PV panel manufacturing modular/solar and solar PV power developing and installing company known as NASENI Solar Energy Ltd (NSEL), Abuja.

He commended the SCEET-G UNN for organizing the conference as well as finding him worthy to chair the conference and pledged that NASENI will continue to do its best toward sustainable and clean energy in the country.

Prof. Mohammed Ndaliman, the Managing Director/CEO of Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) Minna, Niger State, in a Keynote Speech titled "Emerging Green Energy Technologies: Application and Impacts," highlighted types of emerging green energy to include: advanced solar panels, floating offshore wind, green hydrogen, advanced nuclear power, among others.

"These emerging green technologies hold great promise for a sustainable future, they can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel as well as mitigate climate change," he said.

In a remark, the Acting Vice-chancellor of UNN, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, represented by Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, Director, World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) commended SCEET-G for organizing the conference, as well as NASENI for collaborating and sponsoring the conference.

"The theme of the conference is apt especially now that our world is being ravaged by the consequences of climate change due to the continual dependence on fossil energy as a primary source of energy for most industrial and domestic energy use.

"Clean energy systems have been identified as not only the solution to the climate change concerns but also as avenues to providing clean energies to supplement and substitute fossil energies which emit obnoxious gases to the environment.

"I challenge you all who are involved in the research, development, and dissemination of renewable energy technologies not to rest on your oars until sustainable solutions to the insufficient energy and power supply are obtained both in Nigeria and the world generally. he said.

The Acting VC noted that many research groups, faculties, and centres in the University are working assiduously through research, to eradicate the menace of the perennial power outage and the high cost of generating electricity through oil and gas.

"The University of Nigeria, right from its inception has been known for excellence, maintenance of high academic standards and pacesetting.

"Recently, a 500kva waste-to-energy gasification plant was demonstrated by the faculty of engineering, courtesy of the research team led by Prof. Ejiogu," he said.

Earlier in a remark, Prof. Edmund Okoroigwe, the coordinator of SCEET-G and Chairman of the conference planning committee said that the research group focuses on research and development of new and emerging technologies which ensure zero emission of harmful gases.

"Our research centres on technologies around renewable energy, clean coal, energy infrastructure, and materials.

"As part of our activities, this Hybrid international conference is organized as a platform for dissemination of research findings and interactive platform for new frontiers in energy research," he said.

The Coordinator commended the  NASENI boss for collaborating with SCEET-G UNN in organising the conference as well as for full sponsorship of the conference.

Okoroigwe also applauded participants of the conference both physically and virtually as well as members of his group who contributed in various capacities to ensure the success of the conference.

Dr. Gerald Akubue of the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, UNN, was among the local organising committee member of the conference.

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