Experts in the energy sector have declared that Nigeria and Africa at large need to utilise its natural resources in order to effectively transition to clean energy.
The experts spoke at the weekend , during the 8th Energy Summit of Solewant Group, which was held at Alode Community in Eleme local government area of Rivers State.
The summit has the theme: “Pioneering Technology and Innovation for Transition to Sustainable Energy Development in Africa.”
In his presentation titled: “Exploring Oil Sector Innovations for Energy Transition in Africa,” the Dean, School of Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Remigius Uche, stated that Africa’s experience has proven that continued use of fossil fuel as primary source of energy has failed to address the energy challenges in the continent, especially in Nigeria.
Uche, who is a professor of Mechanical Engineering, said despite possessing about 125 billion barrels of oil reserve, which is about 7.2% of the world’s total crude, and 17.89 trillion standard cubic meters of gas as reported in 2023, Africa’s per capita energy consumption is lower than global average.
He stated that for Nigeria and Africa to effectively achieve its energy transition plan, it must adopt a robust sustainable development plan and utilize emerging and clean energy sources such as LNG, CNG, Carbon capture, etc, for which the resources are in abundance.
Also presenting a paper titled: “Unlocking Gas Potential as Catalyst for Energy Transition in Africa,” the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, His Excellency, Engr Wendell De Landro, faulted Nigeria’s continued flaring of gas.
Giving example of how his country has utilised its gas for clean energy, Landro stated that the Nigerian government has failed to stop oil multinationals from flaring its gas because of lack of political will.
The High Commissioner, who formerly worked with Shell, said Nigeria needs to build gas stations that can be used to reserve the abundant gases and adopt clean energy.
He also stated that the global north has continued to exploit the African continent and its resources, adding that Nigeria needs to stop gas flaring and not exploration of fossil fuel.
Earlier in his address, the group managing director, Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, said the summit stands as a premier platform for advancing innovation, collaboration and sustainability in Africa’s energy sector and reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to driving transformation in the energy landscape.
Ewanehi also highlighted that the summit was designed to drive innovation in energy technology and sustainability, foster collaboration between industry stakeholders, policy makers, and academia, and as well, explore pathways to address Africa’s energy challenges to boost opportunities.
He said, “With the theme for this year’s summit, the event underscores the urgent need for adaptable, forward-thinking solutions that meet Africa’s unique energy demands while supporting global sustainability goals.”
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