Private generators supply 75% of power, green energy is the way to go
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 75 per cent of power supply in Nigeria is from private generators, the latest report by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), GCA Capital Partners, and Climate Advisers Network has reiterated.
It said about 25,000 megawatts (mw) are from diesel and petrol-powered generators, with the national grid supplying only about a fifth of that, at less than 5,000mw.
The group made the disclosures in Abuja where it also unveiled 11 key measures required to galvanise action for quick decision-making and smart solutions to ensure Nigeria’s net-zero target.
“Number one measure is to increase the generation of electricity, both on-grid and off-grid. Nigeria currently generates about 5,000mw for a population of over 200 million people,” said SPP President Chukwumerije Okereke, a professor.
“5,000mw is about the amount of electricity that powers Heathrow Airport (London). South Africa generates 40 gigawatts (40,000mw). India, which we should be competing with, generates over 80gw (80,000mw). The lack of power is one major thing crippling Nigeria’s economy.”
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Lack of stable power deters investors in the economy
Okereke added unstable power supply is one of the reasons why companies are not investing in Nigeria, leading to high unemployment rate, per The PUNCH.
He argued investing in on-grid and off-grid power is a critical requirement to solve the problem of climate change and also stimulate the economy.
“The second measure is to eliminate the use of diesel and petrol-powered generators all over the country. Diesel and petrol-powered generators account for about 25gw (25,000mw) of electricity in this country, while the national grid accounts for about 4gw (4,000mw).
“So we get nearly 75 per cent of our electricity in this country through generators, which is one of the most polluting sources of electricity generation. Therefore, the elimination of diesel and petrol-powered generators is the second on the list that we have identified.”
Chief Executive, GCA Capital Partners Chief Executive Obi Ugochukwu explained the use of private generators can be eliminated by massive power generation through solar, hydro, and other renewable energy sources.