2 weeks Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Given the evident developmental challenges confronting the African continent, it is clear that the narrative that Africa should abandon the development of its natural resource base for environmental protection is misguided. A wealthier Africa would be better positioned to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts while addressing its energy security and socioeconomic development needs. By leveraging the continent’s abundant natural resources, African nations can bolster their economies, lift millions out of poverty, and create the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies in the future.
However, harnessing the potential of natural resources in Africa is not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of infrastructure capacity to transport and distribute natural gas, for example. Constructing pipelines, liquefaction plants, and other infrastructure requires significant investments and long-term planning.
My company, Green Energy International Limited, is already leading the way here in Nigeria by constructing the first indigenous terminal in Rivers State. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s wide range of livelihoods, agricultural practices, and commodities are threatened by climate change. Rising sea levels increase vulnerability to flooding and waterborne disease.
Additionally, drought and increasing flooding hinder agricultural production and fishing, reducing food security and negatively impacting health and nutrition in our dear nation. Drought, reduced rainfall and rising air temperatures inhibit the country’s hydropower systems. The energy sector, deforestation, and land-use change are the most significant contributors to Nigeria’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (USAID report, 2023).
About 70 per cent of Nigeria’s primary energy supply is derived from biomass. Poor on-grid power supply, which rarely exceeds five gigawatts, forces Africa’s largest economy to rely on more than 14 gigawatts of inefficient petrol and diesel backup generators across the country, contributing to around 30 per cent of the fine particulate matter emissions from the continent (USAID report, 2023). According to the United Nations, Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation worldwide, losing about 3.
7 per cent of its forest yearly. All hands must be on deck to address the existential challenges of climate change. As responsible citizens of the globe, we must recognise that there is no ‘Plan B’ in addressing climate change.
Today, it is more important than ever to drive forward the global energy transition in the interest of climate change mitigation, energy security, and economic diversification and development. We are already witnessing the global energy landscape changing dramatically, as seen in the succeeding United Nations-organised Conference of Parties. Countries and regions have developed energy transition plans.
However, it is important to stress that energy transition in developing countries, including Africa, must involve transitioning out of poverty, transitioning towards growth, transitioning towards development, and transitioning sustainably. Global investment in renewable energy reached a record high in 2022—at USD 0.5 trillion—, but this represented less than 40 per cent of the average investment needed each year between 2021 and 2030, according to World Bank statistics, to meet the sustainable development goals and limit global warming to 1.
5°C. More striking than the absolute numbers is that sub-Saharan Africa received less than 1.5 per cent of the global investment in renewable energy.
The disparity in renewable energy financing received by developed versus developing countries has increased significantly over the past six years. For this reason, we must be creative and develop new approaches to ensure that no one is left behind regarding sustainable and affordable energy for all by 2030 and beyond. African governments must prepare energy transition plans considering the reality of green growth.
These plans are critical policy and investment tools to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy while expanding energy services for all. Many African countries have demonstrated a willingness to be leaders and equal partners in the energy transition, with countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and others developing world-class whole-economy transition plans (ETPs). These ETPs are very important, and I may use the example of the Nigeria ETP, which former President Buhari launched at COP26.
The ETP in Nigeria is backed by law. The ETP covers all sectors of the economy, including the power sector, transport, housing, agriculture and forestry, and clean cooking. The ETP gives a price tag of USD 1.
9 Trillion for Nigeria to reach net zero by 2060, of which USD 410 billion will be above business-as-usual spending. These figures are definitely beyond Nigeria’s ability alone. The Advanced Economies must come to her aid.
While energy drives economic growth, we must not ignore its profound environmental impact. Carbon emissions from energy production and industrial activities have escalated the climate crisis, leading to more frequent natural disasters, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions that disproportionately affect the poorest populations. We have a collective responsibility to act.
Africa, while contributing the least to global carbon emissions, remains one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change impacts. This paradox compels us to think critically about our development pathways. Meanwhile, renewable energy offers a beacon of hope.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 per cent of the world’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2050. This is an opportunity we must seize. In Africa, it is likewise projected that 76 per cent of the continent’s energy could come from renewable sources by 2040.
If harnessed efficiently, Africa is endowed with abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources that can power our industries, rural areas, and fast-growing cities. The energy transition presents a path to prosperity for millions of Nigerians and Africans, but only if we prioritise infrastructure, innovation, and research investments to ensure the transition is inclusive and equitable. Africa needs help to achieve the energy finance and advanced technology needed to achieve this.
Sustainable development demands that we embrace renewable energy solutions that reduce our carbon footprint. Adopting solar energy, wind farms, and energy-efficient technologies is no longer a choice but a necessity. Moreover, Africa’s vast forests, wetlands, and ecosystems must be protected as carbon sinks, vital for mitigating climate change.
However, achieving this will require more than just good intentions. We must build the institutional capacity to monitor and enforce environmental regulations, ensuring that our natural resources are preserved for future generations. Robust governance frameworks that integrate environmental sustainability into economic planning will be essential.
Good governance lies at the heart of this nexus. The glue holds the energy, economy, and environment together in harmony. Without sound governance, policy fragmentation occurs, leading to inefficiencies, corruption, and, ultimately, failure to achieve sustainable development.
Governance in the energy sector requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Governments must lead with clear, long-term strategies but cannot act alone. Private sector investments, international cooperation, and the involvement of local communities are crucial.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged to accelerate energy infrastructure projects, and innovative financing mechanisms should be explored to support renewable energy adoption. Furthermore, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. Citizens must be informed and involved in decision-making, particularly regarding resource allocation, environmental management, and policy implementation.
Open dialogue and inclusive governance foster trust and drive the effective execution of policies that benefit the economy, the environment, and society. The energy transition is a global challenge; no single nation can solve it alone. International cooperation is essential, particularly for African nations.
Technology transfer, capacity building, and financing are areas where partnerships with the international community can support Africa’s energy transition and climate resilience efforts. We must also recognise that Africa’s energy and environmental issues are not isolated. Africa must be a key player as global energy systems move toward renewable dominance.
This means engaging with international bodies, leveraging global best practices, and ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard in global forums, from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The nexus between energy, the economy, and the environment is the cornerstone of sustainable development. We need bold leadership, sound governance, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability to harness this nexus.
Let us focus on actionable strategies to address Africa’s energy challenges, promote economic growth, and protect our environment. What we do today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. Sustainable consumption is not necessarily about consuming less.
It is about consuming better—in an intelligent and environmentally sustainable way. Prof Adegbulugbe, is the Chairman/CEO, Green Energy International Limited. –.
