The Electricity Hub

As you vote, please register for our 100th Power Dialogue which takes place this Friday, November 29, 2024 at Thought Pyramid Art Center, Wuse 2, Abuja. Register here; https://lnkd.in/dzpGh4i4

The Nigerian government has shelled out N1.91 trillion in 2024, a mind-blowing 204% increase from last year. Despite trying to cut subsidies for some customers, the costs keep climbing like a runaway electricity meter. Q1, 2024: N633 billion spent Q2, 2024: Dropped to N380 billion Q3, 2024: Bounced back to N518 billion Full Year Projection: N2.9 trillion The real question remains; is it sustainable to raise tariffs for premium customers and keep subsidizing the rest? Read more here; https://lnkd.in/dfC7CBcE

Meet David Arinze, a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector and a true inspiration for many. With nearly a decade of experience, David Arinze is the Program Officer of the Off-Grid Energy Program with Diamond Development Initiatives. David has been at the forefront of deploying innovative solutions across Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Off-Grid Energy. His groundbreaking work includes a patent for the design of solar-powered electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of E-mobility. David's expertise spans multinational policy design and clean energy project implementation, providing much-needed energy access to deprived markets. As an Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Sustainable Energy Governance team and a Financing and Deploying Clean Energy (FDCE) Program Scholar at Yale University, USA, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. He manages multi-million-dollar grants and investment off-grid portfolios funded by donors and impact investors, ensuring the implementation of energy projects in unserved and underserved markets across Nigeria and Africa. His leadership has seen the successful deployment of hundreds of renewable energy projects, including solar mini-grids, solar home systems, clean cooking solutions, and biogas projects. These initiatives have generated multi-megawatts of off-grid electricity, connecting thousands of households and businesses and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. David's influence extends to policy creation for the sub-Saharan African region, promoting energy governance and supporting governments in their transition to cleaner energy sources. His work has earned him recognition on global stages and media platforms such as CNN, BBC, and Aljazeera. As a Bridge Fellow and member of the energy policy commission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), David continues to drive policy development at the national level. He is also a passionate advocate for youth involvement in achieving SDG7, inspiring thousands of young people across over 90 countries through policy advocacy, capacity-building programs, workshops, and events. David Arinze is not just a renewable energy expert but a visionary leader. Join TEH as we celebrate our icon of the week!

𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗯 We are excited to announce three major events in the coming weeks: 1. 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 - Enhancing Energy Access in Critical Sectors of the Economy (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) 2. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 - Empowering Ghana's Future: Driving Climate Action Through Clean Energy Solutions (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) 3. 𝟭𝟬𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 - Making Nigeria's Grid Smart (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰)

On electric vehicle (EV) advancement in Nigeria... 1. The Nigerian government can support local research in electric vehicle (EV) technologies, including battery innovation and manufacturing, as these can make EVs more affordable. 2. Private individuals and businesses can accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption and improve charging facility accessibility in Nigeria through investing in charging infrastructure, innovation in charging solutions, education and advocacy, financial products and EV charging-as-a-service. 3. Businesses and property owners can invest in EV charging stations at commercial properties, apartment complexes, and private homes. While companies with large vehicle fleets can transition to EVs, offering incentives for employees to drive electric vehicles and install charging stations. 4. Private individuals and businesses can organise educational events and workshops to train mechanics, technicians, and business owners to install and maintain EV-related infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/d5WZ2Hrh

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: Ebele Sophia Imite-Uka is a Sustainable Energy Expert. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Environmental Management from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom. Sophia has extensive experience in the energy sector, focusing on enhancing energy access, clean cooking, and renewable energy solutions.    She has led projects that bridge the gap in energy access across critical sectors, including agriculture, clean cooking, healthcare, and transportation. Her work spans policy advocacy, project implementation, and partnership development, aimed at driving equitable and sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.    She focuses on bringing together government, private sector, and local communities to drive clean energy initiatives that improve lives and promote sustainability. She is currently a consultant at the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility at GIZ. 

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: Lady Irene David-Arinze (née Ubani) is a dynamic multimedia journalist, development communications professional, and social entrepreneur who has established herself as a prominent voice in African media and development. She is the founder of LIDA Network, a digital media and innovation platform that focuses on promoting economic and social justice, expanding energy access advocacy for underserved communities, and offering capacity-building opportunities for journalists across the African continent. Her platform serves as a vital bridge between the media, development sectors, and grassroots communities, working to tackle socio-economic challenges through sustainable solutions. Lady Irene David-Arinze's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Covenant University, and she is an alumna of the Harvard Business School Global Business Online Program. She is currently advancing her academic pursuits through a Master's Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy at Amadu Bello University in Nigeria. Her commitment to professional development and excellence is further demonstrated through her participation in the Thomson Reuters Foundation Program on Combating Illicit Financial Flows in Africa. Her journalistic excellence has been recognized through two PwC Journalist of the Year nominations in the sustainability and small and medium enterprise reporting categories. She is a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni, marking her as one of Africa's promising young leaders.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: Safiyah Beauty Ahmed is an Agribusiness Strategist/Extension Specialist with over a decade of experience/expertise building a portfolio career that encapsulates business strategy, business development, agro-consulting, sales and marketing, project/program development and management, team management, leadership development, community engagement, agribusiness venture creation and food processing. Miss Ahmed is an alumnus of the prestigious Rome Business School where she bagged a Master’s degree in Agribusiness Management, with a mini-Executive MBA in Leadership and Management from Accra Business School, Ghana in addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Economics & Extension). She is also a certified National Business Development Service Provider after undergoing the compulsory training by SMEDAN/Kaduna Business School. Safiyah is involved in innovative agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa with keen interests in projects that drive Food Security & Nutrition, Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers, Sustainable and Inclusive Climate Smart Agriculture, Industrialization, Rural Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Shared Prosperity while promoting and adopting ESG and CDD approach in her service delivery.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: Engr. Olayiwola Ajilore is the Service Director at GE International Operations Nigeria, leading the Gas Power Services business to drive growth, profitability, and top-tier service. He is accountable for the profitability and revenue growth of the business. With a strong background in the power sector, he manages a team focused on enhancing customer operations and efficiency, and driving portfolio growth. Olayiwola has played a key role in GE’s expansion across Africa and the Middle East, starting his career as a Mechanical Field Engineer and advancing through leadership positions, including Contract Performance Manager. He holds a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School, and is a registered engineer with COREN and NSE. Passionate about innovation, mentorship, and education, he also chairs the board of trustees of the Layi Ajilore Foundation, an NGO promoting educational values among young Nigerians.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has granted Kogi State autonomous control over its electricity generation and distribution infrastructure, marking a pivotal shift in the state's energy management landscape. The announcement, made by Engr. Abdulmutalib Muhammed, the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, following a crucial State Executive Council meeting in Lokoja represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's evolving power sector reform, potentially setting a precedent for other states seeking greater control over their energy ecosystem. This strategic move not only empowers Kogi State to take direct responsibility for its power infrastructure but also promises to deliver more reliable and cost-effective electricity services to its residents and commercial enterprises, potentially catalysing economic growth and improved living standards. https://lnkd.in/dHceAisk