Nigerian professionals boost their know-how in Renewable Energies

RENAC holds a sell-out training course in Nigeria on behalf of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Berlin, 10.8.2010 – On behalf of the Energy Commission of Nigeria together with Eauxwell Nigeria Limited, the Berlin-based Renewables Academy last week carried out a renewable energy training seminar in Abuja, Nigeria. Nearly 120 decision-makers and practitioners participated in the seminar. “Capacity building is very important because change is mainly caused by people. Therefore, if we are to change energy consumption patterns to utilize renewable energy, then people with appropriate knowledge and expertise are required” explained Prof. A.S. Sambo, Director-General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The aim of the seminar for practitioners was to demonstrate sustainable energy solutions that are particularly suited to the specific national conditions in Nigeria and to give participants practical skills in their implementation. "The course was very useful for me because it gave me a practical understanding of the technology involved when dealing with renewable energy sources and their installation," said one participant after the course. Participants learned about the latest developments in renewable energy technologies, and received in-depth instruction in system design and sizing. Being very promising for Nigerian conditions, the seminar focused on designing photovoltaic and hybrid electricity systems.
The four day seminar for practitioners took place after an opening  conference for policy makers where high-level representatives from Nigerian and German institutions discussed technical, economic and political measures needed to significantly increase use of renewable in Nigeria. It became clear that capacity development is one key element of a successful implementation of renewable.

Interview with Prof. A.S. Sambo, Director-General/CEO Energy Commission of Nigeria

How would you evaluate Nigeria’s potential for renewable energy?

What is the government planning to support in renewable energies?

Government has supported renewable energy through its approval in 2003 of a National Energy Policy, which includes renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Incentives to further enhance renewable energy development are articulated in the Renewable Energy Master Plan and the National Energy Master Plan produced in 2005 and 2007, respectively.   However, these plans are yet to be formally accepted by the Government.  Efforts are now being made to get both the Energy Policy and Master Plan passed into an Energy Law.

Nigeria has a strong oil industry. So why are renewable energies important for the country?

Renewables are important to Nigeria, despite the fact that it is a major oil producer and exporter, for two reasons:  The first is that oil is a depleting resource.  It will one day be uneconomical to exploit.  Therefore, there is the need to have alternatives that will supplement it, so that it will last longer for future generations to use.  Secondly, climate change - with global warming resulting from oil consumption – is a global phenomenon, which will also affect Nigeria.  Our low level of development makes us more vulnerable when coping with natural and man-made disasters.   Our future generations need to be protected from this eminent disaster through the use of renewable energy. 

How important is capacity building in renewable energies in Nigeria and where do you see the greatest need for action?

Capacity building is very important because change is mainly caused by people.  Therefore, if we are to change energy consumption patterns to utilize renewable energy, then people with appropriate knowledge and expertise are required.  The areas of greatest need are hands-on training as well as high-level design capabilities in renewable energy technologies.

Prof. A. S. Sambo
Director-General/CEO
Energy Commission of Nigeria,
Abuja - Nigeria.