…Launches groundbreaking platform for DER
By Chinenye Anuforo
In a decisive move to tackle chronic power outages and champion sustainable energy adoption, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has unveiled its revolutionary ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform. This initiative, a one-stop-shop for clean and affordable decentralized renewable energy (DER) solutions, aims to empower Nigerian households, businesses, and communities to transition away from unreliable grid power and polluting generators.
Speaking at a workshop themed, ‘Overcoming Barriers to a Sustainable Energy Future’ in Lagos, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, the Executive Director of CADEF, explained the launch of this platform marks a significant step towards democratizing access to information and resources within Nigeria’s burgeoning sustainable energy sector, potentially paving the way for greater consumer participation and a more rapid transition to cleaner energy sources.
The ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform, developed after extensive research across 12 states and a global review of DER adoption, promises to be a game-changer. She emphasized its inclusive design, stating, “We have tailored content for homeowners, small businesses, and even large-scale energy users. This is a tool for empowerment, not just for the elite, but for everyone.” The platform will connect consumers with verified solar and battery vendors, provide a directory for clean energy seekers, and serve as an educational hub to demystify DER solutions.
The initiative has garnered international recognition, with Consumers International inviting CADEF to mentor organizations in Chile, Colombia, and Thailand in developing similar platforms. This global interest underscored the innovative approach CADEF is taking to address energy access challenges.
However, the Professor also highlighted existing hurdles. “The recent federal plan on restrictions on the importation of solar products and the fluctuation of forex rate have made clean energy solutions costly for both vendors and energy users. The average Nigerian wants solar but can’t afford it. The average vendor wants to serve, but supply chain issues block their way.”
Despite these challenges, there is a growing momentum for change, particularly at the state level. Kamaldeen Abiodun-Balogun, the General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), outlined the state’s proactive approach following the enactment of the Lagos State Electricity Law. “This law enabled us to create policy documents and establish regulatory agencies to initiate the implementation of the Lagos electricity market,” he explained.
“We are putting in very stringent measures to ensure that every 30 days, everyone in the energy value chain who has contributed is paid. We will meter right from the source to all end users to ensure proper accounting of energy.”
Balogun also addressed the critical issue of infrastructure gaps, acknowledging the aged infrastructure of existing distribution companies (Discos). He stated that while the state intends to utilize the existing network, they will set clear performance indicators (KPIs) for the Discos. “In areas of clusters that the Discos are unable to perform – performance meaning delivering energy 90 to 95 percent of the time, the regulatory agency will engage other participants,” Balogun affirmed.
“Private sector will move in, invest in those areas and ensure there’s a reliable and sustainable power supply, and they will be paid through the tariff.”
Segun Adaju, a private sector player with a banking background and strong engagement with various levels of government, lauded Lagos State’s leadership. “In all these, Lagos State is always setting the pace. Many of us in the l private sector players like myself, we are also looking up to Lagos State to set the pace,” he said. “The success of decentralized energy framework, success of energy for all, will start from success in Lagos”.
Adaju highlighted Lagos’s unique position with two strong Discos and its potential to address the illiquidity plaguing the national grid. “If payments are properly made for electricity, then Discos get paid. The issue of estimated billing without metering will also not happen,” he asserted. He also mentioned his involvement in developing a framework for the Lagos State government called the Centralized Renewable Energy Desk, aimed at bringing energy access to underserved areas.
The panel discussion, moderated by Olumide Ajayi, emphasized the critical juncture Nigeria faces in energy generation. “Over 40% of Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity. Poverty will not end, energy will not end poverty, but we cannot end poverty without energy,” he stated, underscoring the socio-economic importance of this transition.
Professor Ndukwe-Okafor concluded with a powerful call to action. “This platform is not an isolated intervention. It is aligned with our ideal country’s national vision, the 30-30-30 initiative. Let us not build a solar future that only serves the wealthy. Let us democratize clean energy. Let us make it local, inclusive, and scalable.”
The launch of “Renew Energy Nigeria” marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Nigeria, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering its citizens. The platform is now live and accessible to all Nigerians seeking reliable and clean energy alternatives