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POWER SECTOR: FG targets 30% renewable energy by 2030

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POWER SECTOR: FG targets 30% renewable energy by 2030

The Federal Government has said it is targeting a 30% renewable energy composition in the country’s energy mix by 2030.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, stated this on Monday in Lagos Monday at the 2018 pre-conference workshop of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, adding that the Federal Government is committed to diversifying the nation’s energy mix through renewable energy.

Currently, Nigeria has energy mix comprising of gas-fired power (85 per cent) and hydropower (15 per cent).

He said: “Let me be clear and unequivocal by saying upfront that our commitment as a nation and government to pursue renewable and low carbon energy at low cost is clear, firm and unshaken. But this is not all. It is a commitment driven by necessity, contract, and policy.”

According to the minister, the government had taken steps to match its intent with actions such as the signing of 14 solar power purchase agreement with 14 developers with the potential to deliver over 1,000 megawatts of solar power.

“In addition to the necessity to diversify our energy sources from gas and provide some energy security, we are also driven to pursue renewable energy by contract,” Fashola added.

Speaking further, Fashola said Africa must intensify efforts at improving transmission grid for renewable energy to be effectively developed on the continent, adding that Nigeria, as a committed member of the United Nation, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, had adopted several international treaties and policies promoting the use of renewable energy.

Read also: TOUGH TIMES: FG cuts 2019 revenue projection for agencies by N223.3bn

According to him, this was in line with the national vision to provide incremental power, and then steady and uninterrupted power.

He said the Federal Government recently approved an integrated energy mix under Electricity Vision 30:30:30, which targets generation of 30,000MW in 2030, with 30 per cent from renewable energy sources.

He further disclosed that government had completed arrangements to concession six hydro dams to private operators under build, operate and transfer scheme, adding that this was aimed at energising educational institutions and markets in the country.

Fashola said: “These are government-led initiatives based on the rural electrification plan approved by the President in 2016 to provide access to power for rural dwellers and vulnerable members of our society.

“We proposed to use six small hydro dams that had been abandoned for decades, Federal Government-owned universities and some markets as anchors. Apart from the universities, where government is directly funding the intervention, the markets are being privately funded.”

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