Leverage Opportunities In Renewable Energy, Experts Charge Businesses

Industry experts, business leaders and key decision-makers in the energy and waste management sector, have examined Nigeria’s strategy to transition to renewable energy and the opportunities the transition presents for Nigerian businesses. 

These were discussed at Lafarge Africa Plc sixth edition of its Concrete Ideas stakeholder conference series held in Lagos.

Speaking, the chairman of Lafarge Africa, Prince Adebode Adefioye expressed delight at the choice of the topic and the calibre of the experts assembled for the discussions.

He stated that, “today’s subject is not just about chemistry, not just about Geocycle or decarbonization, it is about stimulating every part of our economy, creating incentives for investors in clean energy and for people and businesses to embrace the use of clean energy products and technologies.

“It allows Nigeria not only to boost its energy supply and create new high-value jobs but also to be at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions and saving our planet. Therefore, the whole idea is to bring people together to be able to stimulate ideas, even the banks and broader financial sector, to involve them in creating innovative tech and financial products that allow us to generate and use energy more effectively and productively.”

Also, country chief executive officer of Lafarge Africa, Khaled El Dokani said, “fighting climate change and making the transition towards a greener economy requires a concerted effort by industries, individuals and the government.

“As a leader in innovation, Lafarge will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and we expect that the discussions by a range of industry experts and public officials here present today, will provide a clear view of the business of clean energy and reveal the opportunities, insights and strategic agendas for leaders in the private and public sectors to accelerate our society’s access to clean energy.”

In the session dedicated to the business of clean energy, the experts and thought leaders, which include, acting director-general, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Engr Joseph Olayande represented by director of Energy Management, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim Sulu; managing director Savannah Energy, Mr Olapade Durotoye; and CEO, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Ademilua; highlighted the need for adequate access to energy by hundreds of millions of Nigerians and the challenges 

affecting the adoption of clean energy. 

They also shared insights on the strategic choices operators, investors, regulators, and the government have to make to achieve the desired goals.

The experts concluded that, to fully harness the many advantages that clean energy offers, the government and all the stakeholders in the energy sector must take bolder steps to combat the many problems militating against the mass adoption and use of renewable energy in Nigeria.

This they believe will make Nigeria a more attractive destination for global energy investment that will allow it to fund the transition towards lower carbon sources of energy such as wind, water, sun and biomass.