The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has said that there is need for more media awareness renewable energy, in order for Nigerians to save more money and stop environmental pollution through emissions.
Speaking during a media briefing Wednesday in Abuja, REAN President, Segun Adaju, said that Nigeria offers the biggest market for renewable energy in African and can borrow examples from advanced countries on combating emission.
He said: “REAN started operations in Nigeria in November, 2016. At REAN, we have solar, wind, biomass, small hydro and geothermal sources of energy. Currently, Nigeria spends an average of 15 billion dollars every year to power their generators, according to a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“So, if we are providing an alternative means of energy, we have a potential market of 15 billion dollars to displace generators and install renewal energy. Nigeria is seen as the biggest and commercially viable market for renewal energy investment in sub Saharan African because we have the highest number of people not having access to energy.
“They are powering themselves one way or the other. Some are using kerosene lantern, some are using candles, so don’t even have and go to bed in darkness. So, these are potential opportunities to power those people.
“The shift to low carbon technology will transform various sectors. There is a possibility of powering vehicles with low carbon technology like ethanol. A country like Brazil is doing it. Instead of using petrol, we can use ethanol to reduce emission. Imagine vehicles in Lagos running on E20. It means you have reduced gas emission.
“There are also electric vehicles. I was in Rwanda recently and saw their motorbikes. They were all electric. They set up a charge station for the electric vehicles. You go out in the morning to do business and return in the evening when the battery is depleted and keep it to charge. It reduces emission from vehicles.
“Going forward, we are going to have strong engagement in the media. Without media partnership, our efforts will amount to winking in the dark. In 2016 when we started this organization, we had 21 members, but we now have over 160 members and 44 investees. Our members have the backing of All On to scale their businesses in the renewable energy sector. There are several things going on in the renewable energy sector that Nigerians need to know.”