CADEF Champions Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Future With DER Platform

In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has unveiled the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) platform – a comprehensive one-stop hub designed to empower Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace clean energy solutions.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 30:30:30, which aims to generate 30,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 percent sourced from renewable energy. The DER platform provides practical resources, including a solar energy calculator, policy guidelines, financing options, and a verified directory of installers and resellers. It aims to address critical knowledge gaps and drive the widespread adoption of renewable energy across Nigeria, from bustling urban centers to underserved rural areas.

CADEF’s executive director, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, at the launch of the platform, on Friday, in Lagos, emphasized the urgent need for accessible, accurate information about renewable energy systems such as solar panels, batteries, and charge controllers.

She highlighted education as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s renewable energy transformation. “The state of electricity in Nigeria is no secret—demand far outstrips supply, and rural areas suffer the most. Beyond adoption, we must prioritize education and training to enable young Nigerians to maintain and manufacture renewable energy systems. This requires a complete overhaul of our educational curriculum to integrate renewable energy technologies,” she said.

Ndukwe-Okafor also underscored the importance of financial support and government incentives in scaling renewable energy adoption. “The DER platform lists institutions offering loans for clean energy projects, but this is just one part of the puzzle. The government must eliminate tariffs on renewable energy imports and provide tax incentives for businesses adopting these technologies,” she stated.

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CADEF’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond the DER platform. Its Green Labs Incubation program, developed in collaboration with Jacobs Ladder, focuses on equipping young Nigerians with the skills to innovate in the renewable energy space. To date, the program has trained over 80 participants, emphasizing entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and sustainable business practices

“Our goal is to nurture self-reliant individuals who not only sustain themselves but also create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s green economy,” Ndukwe-Okafor said.

CADEF envisions a future where Nigeria shifts from dependence on imported energy solutions to becoming a leader in local production and export. Ndukwe-Okafor stressed that a thriving renewable energy sector would boost industries, manufacturing, and Nigeria’s competitiveness on the African continent.

She encouraged young Nigerians to seize emerging opportunities in renewable energy, citing fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and sustainable energy as areas ripe for innovation and economic growth.

With the DER platform and initiatives like Green Labs Incubation, CADEF is taking a decisive step toward building a self-sustaining, energy-secure Nigeria that aligns with the country’s Vision 30:30:30.