By Ahmed Rahman
According to S& P Global, a capital market company, ‘’energy transition’’ refers to the global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based energy production and consumption systems like oil, natural gas, and coal to renewable energy sources as wind and solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries.
At the 21st United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, an international agreement was reached to keep global warming by the end of this century below 2 degree centigrade compared to pre-industrial levels, preferably lowering it to 15 degree centigrade. At COP26 held in Glasgow, Nigeria pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Over the last decade African countries have been gearing up for the energy transition by implementing policy and legislative frame works that take into account the energy crisis and need for renewable, de-carbonized. decentralized energy supply that address climate change and the commitments made under the Paris Agreement.
It is interesting that while the United States and European Union(EU) are promoting ‘’green energy,’’ in Africa, experts are affirming that by 2030, coal, oil, and gas, will remain the leading sources of fuel for the generation of electricity across all the 54 African countries. In factfossil fuels are set to remain the dominant source of electricity across Africa over the next decade. A new study says ‘’We live in reality. And today, in– real world Africa, this goal (use only green energy) is not feasible. Noris it advisable.’’
There is a growing consensus that the campaign for energy transition from fossil fuel is not taking cognizance of repercussions of such rapid transit, particularly for developing nations like those in Africa. Countries that have enjoyed over a century of energy development and near-universal electrification did so first by exploiting their own natural resources to the fullest extent possible – a right not everyone has been able to exercise equally.
The truth is that while the developed world can afford to take risks and think about sloughing off old industries, large parts of Africa are still struggling with weak infrastructure and under- fundingto provide their people with reliable electricity. Consequently, industrialization and economic stability have remained out of reach for large swaths of the continent.For instance since January 2024 till date Nigeria’s national grid have collapsed 12 times and plunged the country into darkness.
Nigeria and the entire African countries face significant challenges in achieving universal access to electricity and meeting its growing energy demands. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are often highlighted as solutions, experts say that atomic energy (nuclear power) offers unique advantages that make it a compelling option for the continent.
Nuclear energy provides a consistent and reliable source of electricity, unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent and depend on weather conditions. This reliability is crucial for industrial development, health and other critical sectors that require stable energy supply. Small modular reactors (SMRs), according to experts, can provide stable energy at industrial sites, ensuring predictable energy costs and uninterrupted power.
It is universally known that nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source, producing no green gas emissions during operation. This makes it an ideal option for African countries aiming to meet their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement while addressing their energy poverty. Africa’s industrialization effortsrequire a robust and reliable energy supply from nuclear reactors. Its energy can support large- scale industrial projects, manufacturing, and mining operations, which are critical for economic growth.
Nuclear energy has applications beyond electricity generation. It can be used for desalination to provide clean water in agriculture to improve crop yields, and in healthcare for cancer treatment and medical imaging. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology in these areas, which could benefit African nations.
As African countries are still scratching their heads over which energy source to choose, the West is actively conquering their energy markets without even giving them the opportunity to think about their own path. The US is the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy. It controls the fuel and energy complex through a combination of domestic production, strategic policies, international trade, and geopolitical influence, and sanctions against any disloyal countries.
This is why the Global South must reject sanction policy because it harms all nations. By leveraging its vast energy resources and technological advancement, the US not only ensures its own energy security but also shapes global energy markets to align with its economic and political interests, with no place for African countries.
As a major exporter of energy products, such as crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products, the US further solidifies its influence in the global energy markets. Its shale revolution, which enables the extraction of oil and gas from shale formation, has positioned the US as one of the largest producers of crude oil and natural gas globally.
This has allowed the US to influence global energy prices and flagging the dominance of traditional oil-exporting nations like members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) like Nigeria. With its strategic partnerships with neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico, the US created a North American energy bloc that strengthens its position in the global energy landscape.
On this score, the US can use its energy dominance as a geopolitical tool. By controlling energy exports and imposing sanctions on rival nations like Russia and Iran, the US can influence the global energy flows and political dynamics. For example , the US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe increased significantly after the Nord Stream pipelines sabotage.
The bottom line is that Africa needs a just energy transition that is carefully managed and equitably shift away from fossil fuel dependence towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.
• Rahman writes from Kaduna