By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Dr. Adeleke Mamora, has stated that most of the Air Conditioners (ACs), refrigerators and other cooling devices (Green House Gas (GHG) utilization in the country have energy efficiency ratio that is below acceptable minimum energy performance standards.
The Minister therefore charged the Energy Commission of Nigeria under it’s supervision and stakeholders in the sector to proffer lasting solutions to the problem.
He however said that Nigeria through its national energy policy has joined the rest of the world in recognising energy efficiency as one of the most cost-effective means of providing energy security, increase economic productivity, reduce local air pollution to enhance mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission.
Mamora, said this at a one day national stakeholders consultative workshop on energy efficient and climate friendly cooling organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the Minister, It is estimated that by 2030, there will be an unconditional GHG emission reduction by 20% and a conditional reduction target of 47% below the Business as Usual (BaU).
To achieve unconditional target of 2.5% reduction in energy intensity of climate change mitigating priority measures, he said the energy efficiency best practices across various sectors should be meticulously implemented.
He explained that Nigeria being the largest market in Africa with the current growing population, combined with improving life style, urbanization and rising global warming, will continue to experience growing demand for ACs, refrigerators and other cooling devices, thereby, becoming one of the fastest growing ACs and refrigerators market in the world.
To this end, Mamora, said the workshop will foster the transfer of technical know-how which will enhance promotion of the adaptation of energy efficient and climate friendly cooling systems in the country.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria Prof. Eli Jidere Bala said that the Commission is charged with the responsibility of planning and coordination of National Policies in the field of energy in all ramifications.
He stated that the Commission liaises with international organisations, on energy matters such as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Renewable Energy Council and International Energy Charter amongst others.