Stakeholders in the energy sector have called for an exploration of opportunities in renewable energy.
At a colloquium organised by Gennex Technologies in Lagos, with the theme: “Delivering sustainable energy across Africa,” participants, espoused key issues in energy transition.
The Executive Director, Gennex, Mrs. Toyin Ilo, stressed the need for energy transition, especially the adoption of renewable energy.
She averred that Nigeria is endowed with low carbon energy resources of natural gas and renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydropower etc, adding that the know-how on energy efficiency and conservation also abounds and is growing.
The Sector Head, Renewable Energy Sector, Sterling Bank, Seyi Okunnuga, said with the state of the naira, the impact of renewable energy was not being felt as operators in the industry must engage in credible partnerships to deliver value to their customers while also staying afloat.
The Director of Marketing, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Adewunmi Richard, said SON’s absence at the port is the reason why substandard solar products found its way into the Nigerian market.
He also said the sector is bedeviled by quack installers.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Arnergy Solar, Omobola Omofaiye, said the Federal Government had been driving growth in the sector in its bid to power homes and create employment for youths.
Speaking further she said the country needs to invest in local production of solar products to reduce the huge cost being spent on the importation of solar products into the country.
The Managing Director of Gennex, Mr Patrick Ilo, said the event was put together to chart a pathway for sustainable energy.
“A lot of people are not venturing into renewable energy today because they think it does not work. I believe there’s a knowledge gap. In this sector, you do not get your profile as quickly as possible, so, the rush for quick money is a factor,” he said.
He commended the Federal Government’s efforts to bolster renewable energy, saying that the government has stated a lot in making sure the sector thrives.
“The government has actually introduced a scheme through the ministry of power to attract zero per cent duty on renewable energy materials. There are lots of tax concessions and tax holidays given to operators in this sector,” he added.