The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it is working to harmonise renewable energy bill for alternative power supply to boost the economy.
The Executive Secretary of REAN, Mrs Lande Abudu, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, July 4, 2019.
Renewable energy is from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Abudu said that REAN was spearheading the Reform of the 2015 Renewable Energy (RE) Bill for an Act to provide for the utilisation, sustainability and adequate supply of renewable energy for electricity and heat generation.
She said that for any industry to thrive there was the need for a robust legislation to govern it.
“Now that we have privatised electricity, we need strong policy to govern the sector.
“There were a lot of polices when renewable energy first started. There is the need for harmonisation as there are inconsistencies in all the policies, so that everything comes under one document,’’ she said.
According to her, renewable energy is new, so harmonising the bill is very important, and we are not doing it alone, we are involving other stakeholders in the power sector.
“And all the stakeholders are buying into it, we have been to Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, the regulatory side and we are trying to ensure that everybody is on the same page.
“We have to start funding our renewable energy projects. We will electrify ourselves. We cannot wait for the outside world to help us all the time.’’
Ms. Christine K, Director, Heinrich Boll Foundation Nigeria, while giving overview of the importance of renewable energy, said that Nigeria could be 100 per cent on renewable energy even with future electricity demand.
She said the grid was too small and dilapidated, so off grid solution had an important role to play in the economy.
“People need the renewable energy to boost their businesses like the barbers, cybercafé operators, tailors, market women, all the people who find it so hard to get proper government attention and policy.
“These people can get electricity without government, so that is the beauty of members of REAN and we commend their effort.
“However, we still need the government to assist in the importation of renewable energy components by reducing import duty,’’ she said.
The REAN is an independent, non-profit industry association founded by stakeholders in the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.
By Constance Imasuen
