By Linus Aleke
Between 30th Nov. to 12th Dec 2023, the world converged in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), under the auspices of the United Nations, to as usual, discuss the negative impact of climate change, identify causes, review global efforts aimed at solving the problem, proffer solutions, set new targets, reaffirm and make additional commitments, and propose funding options.
The United Nations targets to bring annual emissions of carbon dioxide under various mitigation scenarios to global average temperature rise below 1.5°C.
The global climate event witnessed the congregation of national sovereigns, climate change and environmental activists, non-governmental organizations, the Bretton Woods Institutions and others, as well as multilateral organizations.
Every party at the conference had one or two things to take home. These take homes, were negotiated within clean energy boundaries, to support the actualization of the United Nations Climate Conference of the Parties (COP), the global average temperature rise of below 1.5°C.
Regrettably, Nigeria, needs an energy mix of both hydro, coal, gas, nuclear, and other cleaner energy sources like solar and wind to meet up with the existing energy deficit, in terms of generation, distribution, and transmission, as well as access, in both urban and rural areas.
The target to expand access to electricity to every remote area in Nigeria by 2023, has largely been unmet and the situation is further compounded by the global climate change debate, which of course, limits countries in developing economies of the world from exploring energy sources like coal-powered generating sources, amongst others.
It is on the strength of the above reality and matters arising that the delegation of Nigeria to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, from the power sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), worth US$150 million, with the Chinese authority.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure
(NASENI), in a joint statement, posited that they are poised to make a significant stride in climate action by signing a groundbreaking Cooperation Agreement with the Shenzen Lemi Technology Development Company, to mark a pivotal moment in the global effort towards sustainable energy practices.
The Agreement, the statement disclosed, was signed on December 8, 2023, under the leadership of the Nigerian Ministry of Power and the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
The partnership, FG added, will facilitate the establishment of a Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing and processing factory in Nigeria, stressing that, this initiative is backed by a US$150 million investment from LEMI, with operations scheduled to commence in phases, starting from the second quarter of 2024.
Expressing enthusiasm for being part of this transformative agreement, the two countries said, the signing of the Cooperation Agreement is anticipated to serve as a pioneer initiative for the Light and Belt Initiative in Africa.
The statement further averred that the Cooperation Agreement, and Light and Belt Initiative in Africa, align with global efforts to drive climate technology development and transfer.
“This collaboration will strengthen NASENI’s mandate under the Agency’s new leadership to manage the research and development of capital goods, production and reverse engineering to enhance local mass production of standard parts and services for the nation’s technological advancement with a special focus on the Nigerian Electricity Sector. The collaboration underscores REA’s commitment to bridging the climate technology gap and combating the adverse effects of climate change. It also aligns with Nigeria’s ambitious goals of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060,” the statement said.
The FG also noted that the partnership aims to foster the development and transfer of climate technology, promote indigenous industrialization, facilitate commercialization, enhance public-
private cooperation, and contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the
extractive industry in Nigeria.
Recognizing the crucial role of energy storage in the transition to renewable energy sources, FG said, the investment in Lithium-Ion energy storage manufacturing signifies a significant
step towards achieving a low-carbon economy.
According to the statement: “Research indicates that Lithium-Ion energy storage has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20 per cent per kWh capacity compared to traditional lead-acid technology. The REA and NASENI remain steadfast in their commitment to cultivating partnerships that accelerate clean, innovative, and sustainable energy interventions, contributing to the global pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future”.
Narrowing to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the statement explained: “REA is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), under the Federal Ministry of Power. The agency is tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyse economic growth and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. The REA is currently administering the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and implementing the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and
several initiatives in furtherance of its mandate.
“To give effect to some of its initiatives, REA has obtained financing amounting to $550 million ($350 million from the World Bank and $200 million from the African Development Bank) for financing the Nigeria Electrification Project, and an additional $11 million for financing the Rural Electrification Fund for the deployment of Solar hybrid mini-grids and solar home systems”.
These funds, the agency said, will ensure that millions of Nigerians have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
About the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the statement said: “NASENI is a Federal Government of Nigeria Agency responsible for developing and
maintaining science, technology, and engineering infrastructure to drive industrialization, job creation, and national progress”.
Alas, a brief background check of LEMI, revealed that the company company is incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with its parent company in China.
Renowned for technical competence and experience in renewable energy solutions, the statement noted that LEMI specializes in the development and deployment of solar energy storage systems, solar home systems, and photovoltaic application technologies.
“With a 20-year history, LEMI has successfully promoted its technology and products in 46 countries worldwide,” the statement further revealed.
In conclusion, should Nigeria pursue energy sources such as coal and meet its target of dispelling darkness at every corner and also improve the economic well-being of citizens or stick to the dictate of the West on clean energy and lag on its statutory national obligation of providing power for all? Your guess is as good as mine.
