Country Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Target

Aug 27, 2008 - Leadership/All Africa Global Media

Nigeria has set an ambitious target of moving 20 per cent of the country to off-grid renewable energy sources by 2012.

Renewable energy presently contributes less than one per cent of the country's energy mix profile.

Dr Victor Fodeke, Head of the Nigeria Special Climate Change Unit, told NAN yesterday in Accra that the move was aimed at addressing Nigeria's "awful" energy situation.

"We have set targets for achieving this ambition within the stated time frame and this include energy saving programme for the country," he said.

Others, according to him, are the adoption of energy efficient strategies, the mass popularisation of solar energy plants, wind and small hydro-energy plants and encouraging investment in bio-mass for energy generation.

He said that the project would also enhance the Clean Development Mechanism status of the country.

He said that with strict implementation of the guidelines and the roadmap already prepared for presentation to the federal government, the country's energy situation would change for the better in line with the President Umaru Yar'Adua's seven point agenda.

He called on foreign investors to participate in the energy sector to enable the country achieve the vision 2020 goals.

Fodeke, who is leading Nigeria's delegation to the Climate Change Talks, said that by adopting such plan the country was joining global efforts to embrace green energy and reduce carbon dioxide emission. (NAN)