MEMAN Hosts Pioneering Webinar on Energy Transition Through Solar Energy in Nigeria

In a significant move toward addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and promoting renewable energy, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) successfully hosted a landmark webinar as part of its MEMAN Competency Centre Series. This event focused on the critical role of solar energy in driving Nigeria’s energy transition and provided a comprehensive platform for stakeholders across the energy sector to engage in deep discussions about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the adoption of solar energy.

The webinar commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Godwin Jarikre, Head of Supply, HSEQ, and Technical at MEMAN. Representing the association’s leadership, Mr. Jarikre extended greetings on behalf of the CEO and warmly welcomed an impressive array of participants, including high-profile representatives from key energy stakeholders such as the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, TARANA Energy, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Mr. Jarikre underscored the importance of this workshop in advancing Nigeria’s ambitious energy transition agenda, highlighting that solar energy is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy future.

The event’s first keynote address was delivered by Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. In his insightful presentation, Engr. Kosegbe emphasized the critical importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, to advocate for policies that support the growth of the solar energy sector in Nigeria. He discussed the transformative potential of renewable energy sources, particularly solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, in meeting Nigeria’s growing energy demands while simultaneously reducing the country’s over-reliance on fossil fuels.

One of the standout points from Engr. Kosegbe’s address was Lagos State’s ambitious target to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2030. He highlighted the “Solar for All” program as a key initiative that will drive the state toward this goal. This program is designed to ensure widespread access to affordable solar energy solutions across Lagos, from individual households to larger commercial enterprises. Engr. Kosegbe also called for sustained investment in infrastructure, the creation of supportive policies, and the fostering of public-private partnerships to ensure the growth and sustainability of renewable energy not only in Lagos but across the entire country.

Following this, the second keynote address was delivered by Engr. Sulu Ibrahim, the Head of Renewable Energy at the Energy Commission of Nigeria. Engr. Ibrahim’s presentation delved into the future of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in Nigeria, painting a vivid picture of how solar energy can revolutionize the country’s energy sector. He highlighted several key points:

1. Immense Potential of Solar PV Technology: Engr. Ibrahim underscored the vast potential of solar PV technology in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. From small-scale home systems to large-scale utility projects, solar energy offers a versatile and scalable solution to the country’s energy needs.
2. Advancing Solar Technologies: The address emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to embrace the latest advancements in solar technologies. By adopting cutting-edge innovations, Nigeria can ensure that its solar projects are both cost-effective and efficient, providing the best value for investment.
3. Importance of Policy Frameworks: Engr. Ibrahim highlighted the significance of robust policy documents such as the National Energy Policy and the Renewable Energy Action Plan. These frameworks are essential for guiding the development and integration of solar energy into Nigeria’s broader energy strategy.
4. Strategic Use of Local Mineral Resources: The discussion also touched on the strategic use of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources, such as lithium, which is crucial for supporting local content in the renewable energy sector. By leveraging these resources, Nigeria can build a more self-reliant and sustainable energy industry.

The webinar further featured a series of in-depth presentations and discussions, each addressing critical aspects of solar energy in Nigeria. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Standards and Certification: One of the key discussions revolved around the enforcement of standards for solar equipment and the certification of installers. Ensuring quality and safety in solar projects is paramount, and the need for rigorous standards was strongly emphasized.
• Technological Innovations: Participants explored the latest technological advancements in solar energy, including bifacial solar panels, nanotechnology coatings, and perovskite solar cells. These innovations are enhancing the efficiency, durability, and overall performance of solar systems, making them more viable for widespread adoption.
• Regulatory and Policy Insights: The webinar provided valuable updates on recent regulatory changes in Nigeria’s power sector. These included the liberalization of the sector, new regulations supporting mini-grids and embedded solar plants, and how these changes are paving the way for increased investment in solar energy.
• Challenges and Opportunities: While acknowledging the significant potential for growth in the solar sector by 2030, the discussions also highlighted the existing challenges, such as the high costs associated with solar installation and the need for financial incentives to make solar energy more accessible.

The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future steps necessary to advance the solar energy sector in Nigeria. Key recommendations included:

• Enhanced Regulatory Frameworks: There was a strong consensus on the need for continued development of regulatory frameworks that support the adoption and integration of solar energy into Nigeria’s national grid.
• Public-Private Partnerships: The importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors was repeatedly emphasized. Such partnerships are seen as crucial for driving both investment and innovation in the renewable energy space.
• Capacity Building and Research: Participants stressed the need for ongoing efforts to build local capacity, promote research and development in solar technologies, and raise public awareness about the benefits of renewable energy.

The webinar concluded with a powerful video presentation showcasing the sustainability efforts of MEMAN members, particularly in integrating solar energy into their operations. This presentation served as a testament to the association’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and setting an example for the industry.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Jarikre thanked all participants for their active engagement and encouraged them to apply the insights gained from the webinar in their respective organizations and communities. He also invited attendees to continue the conversation by submitting further questions and suggestions via email.

The MEMAN Competency Center has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the renewable energy agenda in Nigeria and will continue to provide platforms for knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. This webinar, with its rich content and diverse participation, marks another significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward a sustainable energy future. The discussions and insights shared during the event will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the policies and actions that will drive Nigeria’s energy transition in the years to come.

Source : MEMAN