FG should give renewables more attention than fossil fuels – climate expert advises
Solomon Ezeme
The Federal Government has been asked to pay more attention to the development of renewable energy in the country, stressing that renewables are cleaner and can make up for possible periods of breakdowns in the national grid system.
This advice was handed down by climate impact finance expert, Dr Jubril Adeojo, in an exclusive chat with EnergyDay.
Dr. Adeojo who is also the Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer of SME Funds Capital (a clean tech company operating across Sub-Saharan Africa), equally encouraged the government to drum up support for the private sector to help contribute to the growth of the renewable sector.
“It is right that Government should pay attention to both fossil fuels and renewables. But for me, there should be more focus on renewables, especially solar which has been tested and trusted.
“Solar is very clean and government does not need to do this all alone. They can involve the private sector to put in its energy. Gas is receiving good attention already, especially from the Federal Government,” he said.
He explained that investing in the renewable energy sector will help save Nigerians from living in darkness, in the event of any disruption in power being supplied by a Distribution Company (DisCo).
“Solar energy business is also profitable. Yes, gas is important but let’s also invest in solar. That’s one of the things I’m expecting to see the Government do.
“Take for instance, if there is disruption in power in our communities for a long time, that would be a very serious situation. If blackout is persistent, how are we going to survive it?
“But guess what? There will be solar on our roofs to supply power. Battery will be there to save power.
“So, it’s a blend of everything – fossils and renewables. We must look at and expect the worst case scenario.
Giving his advice on the way forward for the power sector, he said: “So what we should be asking ourselves is: how are we going to provide for the value-chain when the unexpected occurs; and can make up for possible periods of breakdowns in the national grid system?
