UNIDO partners FG, States on 3.1 MW Hydro Power Projects
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO), in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Environment, today organized a one-day seminar on the development of Small Hydro Power (SHP) Projects in Nigeria.
The seminar, which was facilitated by experts in SHP projects planning and development, brought together key stakeholders in the energy sector, including the United Nations agencies and multilateral organizations, to identify promoters and investors for the final development of SHP sites across the country with a cumulative capacity of generating at least 3.1MW of electricity.
The project falls under the framework of UNIDO/Global Environmental Facility (GEF-5) project, “Scaling Up Small Hydro Power in Nigeria.”
Chuma Ezedimma, the Officer in Charge of UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Chuma at the seminar said the Small Hydro Power Project in Nigeria is part of UNIDO’s wider renewable and rural energy effort aimed at promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) globally .
He added that clean and sustainable energy is an integral part of UNIDO’s overall mandate to support efforts geared towards productive activities which will ultimately lead to creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness and safeguarding the environment.
“The seminar was designed for interested State Governments, key decision makers at the Federal level as well as private sector who are willing to invest in the development of SHP in Nigeria.
The development of SHP in Nigeria, especially in rural areas has the potential to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 9 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all and to build resilient infrastructure ” , Ezedinma explained.
As at today, three SHP Projects have been completed in Taraba, Bauchi and Enugu States, while there are on-going projects in Ogun, Osun and Benue States.
Over the years, electricity supply in Nigeria has been unreliable and always characterized by frequent shutdowns, load shedding and grid failures. The country’s estimated electricity demand is about 15, 000 MW . On the supply side, Nigeria’s total installed generating capacity is about 10,000 MW while actual electricity generation currently hovers around 4, 000 MW.
Harrison Edeh