EU, FG launch data collection portal for operational mini grid in Nigeria
Solomon Ezeme
In a bid to provide industry players and development partners with comprehensive collection of survey data for all the operational mini grid facilities and sites across Nigeria, to facilitate improved access to affordable and sustainable energy, the European Union and Federal Government have developed and launched the upgraded Nigeria Sustainable Energy for All (Nigeria SE4ALL) platform (Version 3.0).
EnergyDay’s checks showed that Nigeria SE4ALL, is a web platform that provides interactive tools and electrification data that allows investors and users to make better decisions. The portal serves as a mini-grid monitor, used for publishing actual data on operational mini-grids in Nigeria.
Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, while speaking at the official inauguration which was held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, said, “The EU is happy to have supported the government to develop the new Nigeria SE4ALL web platform.”
She noted that the new platform comprises helpful tools and extended datasets from field data collection that would provide insight about the country’s power sector and help “serve as pre-feasibility for private sector investment, allow development of policies and frameworks, as well as, monitoring policy target.”
Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, Minister of Power, during the cutting of the ribbon ceremony, recalled the commitment of the Federal Government towards actualising its major targets for the power sector, including increasing access to electricity across the board, energy efficiency and attaining 30 percent share of renewable energy in the “Energy Mix” by 3030.
He noted that access to digital data is necessary for Nigeria to increase electrification across the country’s length and breadth, especially in unserved and underserved areas.
“That is why the ministry under the umbrella of the nationwide SE4ALL initiative has developed this platform, which will serve as the go-to platform for data-driven electrification planning to achieve Nigeria’s Vision 30:30:30,” the Power Minister said.
Mr Martin Huth, the Chargé d’affaires of the German Embassy to Nigeria, stated that the upgraded web platform will provide the private players in the power sector, most especially those in the off-grid industry, with necessary information for the business plans for investments
He also noted that data obtained from the platform will assist the Nigerian Government in improving the regulatory framework for its set targets for 3030.
Mr Abubabar Ali-Dapshima, Acting Director, Renewable Energy and Rural Power Access Department for the Ministry of Power, also stressed the importance of the new platform, stating that it will supply primary and empirical data for players in the country’s power sector to make proper investment decisions.
