Minister of Power, Adelabu to collaborate with South Korea to promote renewable energy, sustainable energy policies

Oredola Adeola

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has also announced plans to collaborate with South Korea to promote the deployment of renewable energy, develop sustainable energy policies, and adopt low-carbon technologies in line with the global focus on transitioning to clean energy.

Adelabu made this known on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference 2023, jointly organized by KOAFEC and Africa Development Bank (AfDB), with the theme “Just Energy Transition and Agricultural Transformation in Africa” in Busan, Korea, held on Wednesday.

According to him, the collaboration with South Korea will be used to promote renewable energy deployment, and develop sustainable energy policies, all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience in the power sector.

The Minister of Power said, “The KOAFEC 2023 Ministerial Conference on Energy is important as it facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships between South Korea and African countries in various sectors including the energy sector.

“It addresses key energy challenges, promotes sustainable development, attracts investment, fosters knowledge sharing, and supports the clean energy transition in Africa.

“The conference provides an opportunity for policymakers, ministers, and representatives from both regions to discuss and address key challenges. and opportunities related to energy development and sustainability.

Highlighting some of the key areas where Nigeria can benefit from this engagement, Adelabu noted that priority will be given to energy security which helps the country to address issues related to energy security, including diversification of energy sources, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and promoting renewable energy.

This, according to the Minister, will enable Nigeria to explore partnerships and strategies to enhance our energy security and reduce vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

He said, “Energy plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction, improved healthcare, education, and economic growth.

“Nigeria can benefit from South Korea’s advanced technologies and strategies for energy development, which can help build local capacity and strengthen institutional frameworks.

Adelabu further restated his commitment to clean energy transition. According to him, with the increasing global focus on mitigating climate change, the conference provides a platform for discussions on clean energy transition.

He therefore noted that the government will explore collaborations with South Korea to adopt low-carbon technologies, promote renewable energy deployment, and develop sustainable energy policies.