ERA/FOEN, others push for sustainable energy in Africa

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

The need to reduce obstacles and other environmental issues in Africa has been advocated by five environmental rights groups.

The groups called on governments to stop the acceptance of fossil fuel projects driven by European countries via their Export Credit Agencies (ECAs).

Speaking from Nigeria, the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, stated: “In Nigeria’s oil fields, oil spills and gas flaring have resulted in massive environmental degradation and marine resources depletion which local people depend on for livelihoods.

“The locals have continued to blame especially Shell Oil Company, and the Nigerian government for their impoverishment and human rights violations.

“To ensure improved clean energy access, there is the need for a post-petroleum economy devoid of oil and gas and embracing renewable energy sources to reduce carbon footprints and address climate change impact,” Dr. Ojo said.

Others involved in the research are Friends of Earth-Ghana, Abibiman Foundation-Ghana, Environment Governance Institute-Uganda and Friends of Earth-Togo in cooperation with Milieudefensie/Friends of Earth-Netherland and Both ENDS.

The groups analysed the prospects of a Just Energy Transition for Africa. They also analysed the question as to what the best solution is for limiting global warming to 1.50C on the one hand and facilitating universal energy access on the other.

Furthermore, they analysed the question of what role public financial institutions like ECAs could play in terms of promoting a green energy future in Nigeria and other developing countries.

“Export credit agencies provide insurances and guarantees to companies doing business abroad. Despite international climate agreements and national climate ambitions, export credit agencies continue to support fossil energy projects on a large scale,” Niels Hazekamp of Both ENDS said.

Nosa Tokunbor of ERA/FoEN said: “The only way out is the phasing out of finances for fossil fuel while channeling same to support renewable energy projects.”

On her part, Isabelle Geuskens of Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth Netherlands, said: “In a world that is increasingly switching to renewable energy, the demand for fossil fuel is unsustainable and bound to decrease drastically.”

Their report said: “in spite of the Paris Agreement that seeks to cut back on carbon emissions, the rich countries insured dirty energy projects with a total value of $11 billion through their export credit agencies (ECAs).”

ECAs insured energy projects in Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Uganda with a value of $18 billion between January 2013 and August 2020.

The available data shows that only one per cent of the total support to the energy sector consisted of support for renewable energy, in the form of solar projects. No ECA support for wind projects in the four African countries has been found.

“More than half of this export support is related to fossil fuels. Only one per cent went to sustainable renewable energy,” it added.