Group urges FG to diversify energy mix
Intellectual Icons for Sustainable Impact and Development (IISID) has urged the Federal Government to diversify its energy mix to include nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar to achieve sustainable energy supplies.
In a statement, IISID explained that from its comprehensive research, gas-fired power plants dominate the power sector, which faces continuous supply issues and insufficient investment.
The group said: “It is worth noting that Nigeria has abundant renewable resources (solar, wind, hydropower) that are currently underutilised. We strongly believe that significant potential exists for greater utilisation of these resources to improve electricity generation and access, and the time for action is now.”
The group noted that the issues of outdated and poorly maintained infrastructure, heavy reliance on gas and hydroelectric power, supply chain disruptions, historical corruption in the power sector, insufficient power generation capacity, inadequate revenue collection, poor transmission infrastructure and maintenance culture if not urgently addressed could result in a waste of government’s efforts.
IISID, therefore, tasked the government to invest in power infrastructure, renewable energy, and grid modernisation, develop stable policies, provide incentives for private sector investment, and address corruption in the sector.
The group also encouraged the government to seek collaboration with the private sector, including international organisations, allowing multiple companies to distribute electricity to create competition and improve efficiency.
According to the body, the government needs to promote energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce demand, encourage off-grid solar systems and micro-hydro plants, launching campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of renewable energy.
The group added: “Invest in improving renewable energy technologies. Build capacity within institutions and human resources to manage the transition to renewable energy. Implement pilot projects to test and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy technologies and anti-corruption measures.”
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