- Developing alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, is crucial to meet future energy needs.
- The government wants renewable contributions at 10 per cent by 2030 and backs the $85mn Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP).
Deputy Minister of Ghana, Hon Andrew Mercer, has said natural gas is a solution to Nigeria’s energy security. He called for more investment and collaborative effort to meet energy security and climate goals in Nigeria and Africa. He said Nigeria’s grid infrastructure cannot accommodate more than 4 to 5 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity at any given time.
The minister noted that this is one reason for the lack of electricity access experienced by 43 per cent of the population of Nigeria. While Natural gas is a game-changer in the energy sector, Ghana does not have gas. However, Nigeria has an excess that requires technology to solve the electricity challenge. Mercer stated this at the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conferences, with participants discussing inter-regional electricity connection efforts and spotlighting Ghana’s electrification efforts.
“When energy infrastructure is weak, there is less signal to invest as individual projects are less viable and are deemed riskier, particularly by the private sector. Nigeria should expand beyond the state of electricity grids or gas pipelines and include public services such as trained utility workers, water resources, public safety and security forces, and much more,” he stated.
The energy minister describes dwindling hydro and other energy constraints as energy sources resulted in a shift away from hydroelectric power. The development of alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, is crucial for meeting future energy needs while minimising negative environmental impacts.
He stressed the need for more renewables, noting that the government wants renewable contribution at 10 per cent by 2030, backs the $85mn Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP) and combatting energy ‘trilemma’. Mercer highlighted the country’s efforts to combat the trilemma of energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.