Worried by the rising temperature and prolonged droughts orchestrated by climate change, energy experts at Schneider Electric have called for energy transition, urging African countries to adopt renewable energy solution to mitigate the impact of climate crisis.
They lamented that the rising temperature and extreme weather conditions currently being experienced is caused by climate crisis. While declaring readiness to optimise energy capacity for efficient power management and distribution for West Africa, they noted that climate action is one of the major challenges facing West Africa countries, especially in countries relying on hydropower generation.
To solve the extreme weather conditions, Country President, Schneider Electric, Ajibola Akindele, stressed the need to adopt an efficient energy infrastructure.
He said: “With rising temperature and prolonged droughts, West Africa is grappling with challenges, especially in countries relying on hydropower generation. We recognise the urgent need for resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.”
According to him, West Africa is facing the impact of climate change on natural resources, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity, as highlighted in the Climate Change and Security in West Africa report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The region is projected to experience unprecedented temperature and rainfall changes in the next 10 to 20 years.
“We are determined to contribute to West Africa’s sustainable energy journey. Our intelligent solutions and commitment to innovation are key drivers in building a resilient and efficient energy infrastructure that meets the region’s evolving needs,” Akindele said.
Sales Director, Power Systems Division, Schneider Electric Anglophone West Africa, Obinna Uche, noted that significant investments, supported by organisations such as U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are driving the their commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting climate sustainability.
He said: “We are encouraged by West Africa’s dedication to implementing renewable energy solutions. Investments in projects like the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Fund (EREF) programme are vital for catalysing the growth of renewable energy, with a specific focus on Clean Energy Mini Grids (CEMGs).”
Speaking on Schneider’s strides in contributing to West Africa’s proactive response to the climate change crisis, he emphasised their commitment to efficient power solutions, stating, “Our goal is to ensure energy capacity is optimally utilised, contributing to efficient power management and distribution. From generation to distribution, to end-users, intelligent monitoring solutions are at the forefront of our efforts, leading to not only cost savings, but also increased investor confidence.”
