From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, says his administration has keyed into the global renewable energy means of attaining a cleaner environment devoid of air pollution, emission of carbon and other harmful smokes that endanger biodiversity.
The Governor spoke on Tuesday in a message he sent at the opening of the 2nd International Renewable Energy Conference hosted by the Ibrahim Shehu Shema Centre for Renewable Energy Research, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina.
The conference is organized in collaboration with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, add well as the Universite Dan Dicko Dankoulodo De Maradi and Centre Polytechnique Mazayaki De Dosso, Niger Republic.
With the theme, ‘Clean Energy Transition: Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals, through Renewable Energy Technologies,’ Radda told the participants, “As a government, we understand that protecting human lives, variety of animals, plants, fungi and even microorganisms that make up our natural environment is essential, because these species and organisms work together, in an intricate web in the ecosystem, to maintain carbon balance in the atmosphere.
“We are here now to reflect and chart pragmatic ways forward. It is my belief that the outcome of the discussions, which I will particularly urge that it be documented, will support the government’s drive and complement the efforts of other stakeholders in the circle.
“At this point, all ideas, no matter how abstract, are welcome; they will ultimately help us to mitigate existential threats and then ensure a habitable environment free of pollution which retards the progress and development of human Iives.
“Part of the modest contributions of this government in attaining a clean energy and a habitable environment is embracing renewable energy for the development of our people.
“Our aim is to decarbonize the electricity sector in phases such that by 2030 we can be safe to say we have attained 300MW of installed capacity, of which 90 per cent will be renewable energy.
“As a government, we have set up machinery in motion, including energy transition plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, passage of the required Bills, and have already committed humongous resources, all geared towards a single purpose, which is clean renewable energy.
“This includes partnerships with the National and International bodies, as well as the private sector, aware that clean energy is everyone’s business. These modest efforts are already yielding good fruits, but most of it will be felt in no distant future. The ultimate goal is to be prepared to face nature’s reckoning.”