TechPression

Tag: Clean Energy

  • NCC encourages Nigeria telecom sector to embrace clean energy

    NCC encourages Nigeria telecom sector to embrace clean energy

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) is taking proactive steps to encourage the telecoms sector to embrace clean and sustainable energy sources, aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

     At a roundtable held recently in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services NCC, Mr Ubale Maska, discussed the Commission’s plans to create a framework for sustainability within the industry. The academic community’s participation in research and innovation was highlighted as crucial to achieving these goals in partnership with other stakeholders.

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    Promoting Sustainable Energy Policies

    Professor Danbatta underlined the NCC’s intention to introduce policies that incentivize telecom service providers to adopt cleaner energy sources. These policies aim to not only reduce the carbon footprint but also open up new economic prospects for the industry. The focus is on promoting clean energy technologies like solar, wind, and biomass to power the communications infrastructure effectively and sustainably.

    Recognizing the vital role of academic institutions in advancing research and innovation, Professor Danbatta stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders. By working together, they can understand the potential of alternative energy sources, address challenges, and develop practical strategies for implementing clean energy solutions in the telecom sector.

    During the roundtable, Professor Ray Ozolua, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, expressed appreciation for the NCC’s initiative in bringing academia together to share expertise. He pointed out the limitations of imported technologies, with their built-in lifespan driven by economic interests. As an example, he highlighted the limited lifespan of solar batteries and mobile telephones. To address this issue, Professor Ozolua proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee within academia to conduct research on producing solar batteries locally with longer life spans. This move would not only support sustainability but also boost the country’s technological independence.

    The central theme of the roundtable was “Refocusing Academic Research towards Alternative Clean Energy: Panacea to Paucity of Energy in the Telecom Sector.” The participants discussed the critical need for the academic community to contribute its expertise in exploring and developing cleaner energy solutions for the telecom industry. By focusing on clean energy research, the telecom sector can overcome energy shortages and align with global efforts to combat climate change.

    Benefits of embracing sustainability in telecoms businesses

    Embracing sustainability in the telecoms industry offers numerous benefits, both for the companies themselves and the wider society. Some of the key benefits include:

    Reduced Environmental Impact: Implementing sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, significantly reduces the carbon footprint of telecom operations. This leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change and preserve the environment.

    Cost Savings: Sustainable initiatives often lead to cost savings in the long run. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, telecom companies can reduce energy consumption and operational expenses, resulting in lower utility bills and operational overheads.

    Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Embracing sustainability enhances a telecom company’s corporate reputation and brand image. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders increasingly favour environmentally responsible businesses, leading to increased trust and loyalty towards sustainable telecom companies.

    Increased Customer Attraction and Retention: Many consumers prioritize sustainability when choosing products or services. Telecom companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility can attract environmentally-conscious customers and retain existing ones, gaining a competitive advantage.

    Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation: By adopting sustainable practices, telecom companies ensure compliance with existing and future environmental regulations. This mitigates the risk of facing penalties, fines, or reputational damage due to non-compliance.

    Innovation and Technological Advancement: Embracing sustainability drives innovation within the telecoms industry. Companies that invest in research and development of clean energy technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure stay at the forefront of industry trends and may develop competitive advantages.

    Increased Employee Engagement: A commitment to sustainability fosters a positive corporate culture and increases employee engagement. Employees are more likely to be motivated and satisfied working for a company that aligns with their values and contributes positively to society and the environment.

    Resource Efficiency: Sustainable practices encourage telecom companies to use resources more efficiently. This includes optimizing energy use, reducing waste generation, and adopting circular economy principles to extend the lifespan of devices and equipment.

    Strengthened Stakeholder Relations: Embracing sustainability improves relationships with various stakeholders, including customers, investors, suppliers, and communities. Sustainable practices demonstrate a company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility, leading to stronger partnerships.

    Resilience and Future-Proofing: As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, companies that embrace sustainability are better positioned to adapt to changing market conditions and evolving consumer preferences. This resilience ensures long-term viability and success.

    Positive Impact on Communities: Sustainable telecoms initiatives can positively impact local communities by providing access to renewable energy, improving network coverage in remote areas, and supporting economic development through sustainable practices.

    The Nigerian Communication Commission’s commitment to promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions in the telecoms sector is commendable. The planned policies, combined with academic research and innovation, hold the key to a greener future for the industry. 

    By embracing alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass, the telecom sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry stakeholders, and policymakers will be essential to turning this vision into reality and ensuring a brighter and greener future for Nigeria’s telecom industry.

  • Nigeria, UNIDO, GEF Partner To Meet Clean Energy, Climate Action SDGs

    Nigeria, UNIDO, GEF Partner To Meet Clean Energy, Climate Action SDGs

    The Nigerian Government, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United States Government and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) are on track to meet their commitments to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and by 100% by 2060, respectively, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

    Under the auspices of the Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP) Nigeria, the three individuals hope to provide young Nigerians in the fields of technology, agriculture, industry, waste management, and water resources with access to financing and other support schemes that are aimed at generating wealth via environmentally friendly processes and techniques.

    Director (environmental science and technology) Mr. Peter Ekweozoh recently revealed that the five-year journey to position Nigerian tech innovators on the global scale and deepen green tech across critical sectors of the economy was announced at the recent National Forum and Award Ceremony in Lagos.

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    According to him, the federal ministry of science, technology, and innovation made its debut by initiating the Technology Needs Assessment for Climate Change Mitigation and Adoption in Nigeria’s Vulnerable Sectors, and the idea of calling for entries from aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to proffer sustainable solutions was born.

    After exhaustive and demanding processes, three (3) promising inventors and entrepreneurs were selected from a pool of twenty-five (25) applicants. The winner received $10,000, the runner-up $7,500, and the runner-up $5000. These techies would continue on to bigger projects that would help the Nigerian people.

    After this, the program would be implemented throughout the entire country by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. To refresh your memory, in 2015 Nigeria ratified the Paris Climate Change Accord, committing to cutting global warming by up to 47 percent across seven key sectors. Twenty-seven percent were conditional offers, while seven percent were unconditional.

    To put it another way, we need to stop doing everything that contributes to the release of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide). It’s a three-year plan to advance more eco-friendly forms of energy production, he insisted.

    Mr. Jean Bakole, UNIDO’s Country Representative and Regional Director, elaborated on the program’s goals, saying that it aimed to create an environment favourable to the development of high-impact clean technology innovations and the attraction of large-scale investments.

    As well as producing local environmental benefits, “this mechanism is predicted to deliver significant worldwide influence on reducing global temperature rise to well below 2° C,”

    He claimed the initiative will improve the competitiveness of SMEs, innovation hubs, and startups by putting them in touch with the Global Cleantech Network’s investor, customer, and partner networks. Achieving SDGs 7 and 13 would be a top priority for Nigerian companies if this were to happen, he said.

    About UNIDO

    The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a United Nations specialised organisation that seeks to promote and expedite sustainable industrialization in developing nations and transition economies.

    The Organization’s goal is to eradicate poverty via inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID), in line with the new global development agenda enshrined in the Lima Declaration of 2013. UNIDO focuses on three thematic goals to assist nations in their efforts to attain ISID: poverty reduction, economic competitiveness advancement, and environmental protection. This is accomplished through UNIDO’s specialist technical departments and extensive field presence.

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    About The GEF

    The Global Environment Facility (GEF), created in 1991, is the world’s largest fund dedicated to environmental protection financing. Thus far, GEF Trust Fund replenishments have leveraged USD 20.65 billion in capital, which has been multiplied through facilitating 1:5 co-financing through multi-stakeholder alliances. By directing strategic investments to its partners, it works as a catalyst for action. The GEF is organised as a partnership network of 18 implementing agencies, including UN organisations, multilateral development banks, national institutions, and international non-governmental organisations, as well as donor and recipient countries.

  • Madagascar, Mauritania Get $36.5m Clean Cooking And $40 M Water Supply Project Funding

    Madagascar, Mauritania Get $36.5m Clean Cooking And $40 M Water Supply Project Funding

    The Opec Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved $36.5 million for Madagascar’s clean cooking systems project. The global body is also financing Mauritania’s $40 million Kiffa drinking water supply initiative.

    OFID is offering Madagascar the funds as loans and grants to speed up the country’s access to clean cooking. The aim of the project is to reduce deforestation in the East African nation significantly.

    The fund was received by the National Clean Cookery Transition Programme in Madagascar, which includes a $1.5 million grant. 

    OFID’s financing is part of a $500 million multi-country package announced on December 15, 2022,, board, by the group at the boards’ board meeting for the year 2022.

    The national transition programoforOFID2022,n cooking in Madagascar, aims to improve access to clean cooking throughout the country. As such, the Malagasy government will use the OFID fund to accelerate the deployment of clean cooking systems.

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    Reducing 850,000 Tonnes Of CO

    By 2023, 35,000 upgraded stoves would be made “at affordable prices” available to Malagasy homes through the program. The upgraded stoves will burn ethanol made sustainably in homes, i.e., by fermenting sugar or converting starch from grains and other agricultural or agroforestry resources. 

    The traditional three-stone cooking method, which is to blame for a multitude of respiratory ailments in the East African nation, will be replaced by environmentally friendly burners. The improved stoves will aid Madacar’s fight against deforestation and lower 850,000 tonnes of cetric tons monoxide (CO) emissions. Reforestation is actually a part of the scheme, allowing for the planting of 1,500 hectares of forest. 

    Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), an organization that works with the UN, governments, the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society to strengthen and spur action to reach Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) by 2030, says that less than 1% of households in Madagascar use clean fuels and only 1% of households use improved wood or charcoal. Madagascar is also the country in Africa with the lowest use of clean cooking devices.

    Mauritania’s Drinking Water Supply Project

    The Kiffa drinking water supply project in southern Mauritania is getting $40 million from the Board of Directors of the Opec Fund for International Development (OFID). 

    The funding project was launched on December 15,2022,2 by the intergovernmental development finance institution based in Vienna, Austria.

    OFID is among a number of other development partners in the drinking water project, including the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

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    Financing The Drinking Water Project

    According to OFID, its loan will be used to fund the construction of a new drinking water treatment plant. Raw water from the Senegal River will be moved to the plant by four new pumping stations. Several tanks will be used to store the drinking water. 

    By 2035, a 250-km water network that connects 90 communities and provides service to more than 550,000 people, or more than 20% of Mauritania’s population, will also be a component of the Kiffa Water Project. Water constraints in Mauritania also hasten the spread of water-borne illnesses (cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, etc.). 

    The goal is to lower the risk of these diseases in the town of Kiffa and the places around it. 

    The project will cost $317 million to complete. The Kiffa water project will also add 3,000 jobs to the water industry.

  • World Bank Approves South Africa’s $497m Komati Repowering Loan

    World Bank Approves South Africa’s $497m Komati Repowering Loan

    The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors have approved South Africa’s request for $497 million (about R9 billion) to decommission and repower the Komati coal-fired power plant using renewables and batteries.

    On October 31, the last Komati unit was shut down at midday, heralding the beginning of what Eskom described as a repowering and repurposing of the site into a renewables, storage, manufacturing and training hub.

    The company in charge of the power station, Eskom, said the concessional loan facility was approved after successful meetings over the past two months in Washington DC, USA, between the firm and World Bank executives.

    According to Eskom, “The loan facility will cover three main components: decommissioning of the Komati power station, repurposing and repowering of the station and other elements of the just energy transition, including provision for the training of Eskom employees, community development and stakeholder initiatives.”

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    In a statement by the World Bank, the financing of the ‘Komati Just Energy Transition Project’ would be collaboratively achieved through a $439.5-million World Bank loan, a $47.5-million concessional loan from the Canadian Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility, as well as a $10-million grant provided by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.

    Repowering the plant would involve the installation of 220 MW of clean energy solutions, including 150 MW of solar photovoltaic and 70 MW of wind, supported by 150 MW of batteries.

    The global body notated that this initiative also creates opportunities for affected workers and communities. This it said, would be made possible through Eskom’s establishment of a containerised micro-grid assembly factory at Komati, alongside the recent signing of a partnership agreement with the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet to develop a Komati Training Facility.

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    World Bank’s Report on South Africa

    The financing announcement follows closely on the World Bank’s ‘South Africa Country Climate and Development Report’.

    The report projects that South Africa’s transition to net zero will require total incremental financing of R8.5-trillion by 2050 and that the funding gap could be closed only with the support of external resources.

    The report also reiterated that renewable energy represented the quickest and cheapest pathway out of South Africa’s long-running electricity crisis and that two to three more jobs would be created by pursuing such a pathway when compared with the 300 000 jobs that are likely to be shed in high-emitting sectors. 

    However, the World Bank did alert of a timing and spatial mismatch in the labour market and indicated that government interventions would be required to assist vulnerable workers.