The Federal Government looks forward to partnering with energy companies and other key stakeholders around the world in delivering its Energy Transition Plan, ETP, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo said this when he received a delegation from Siemens Energy led by the CEO, Christian Bruch at the Presidential Villa.
According to him, Siemens Energy “has shown itself to be a good partner with the Presidential Power Initiative,” and a lot more can be achieved “if we work together with the groups and teams we have already, to take this forward,” referring to the ETP.
While addressing one of the major issues about the call for transitioning to renewable energy, the VP reaffirmed that gas would be necessary for Nigeria’s transition.
“We have gas and it is not just an answer for power, but also for clean cooking. Clean cooking is a major component of our National Development Contributions and we are trying to transit from rural areas where kerosene is used, where firewood is used to Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG.”
The Vice President added that besides technical discussions in implementing the plan, there’s a “need for political discussions which is why COP-27 is important for us. For African Countries, we have the Kigali Communique which addressed many of the important issues for us.
“One of the important issues is that energy access is key. We can’t talk about net-zero by 2060 without addressing the fundamental question of energy access for millions of our people who don’t have access. This is tied to poverty and development.”
Prof Osinbajo then acknowledged that Siemens Energy’s “expertise and technology will be helpful in the process we are undergoing and I look forward to your input. We look forward to collaborating with Siemens and your cooperation would be appreciated”.
In his own remarks, Mr. Bruch sought to work with Nigeria on the ETP and applauded the Vice President’s role in championing Plan.
He noted that Siemens Energy is “fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s discussion on Energy Transition” adding that the company has a lot of technology to bring to the table “with around 26,000 patents around technology”.
According to him, “energy transition is a relatively complex matter which combines affordability, sustainability and security of supply. We have learnt that every region and every country must have a different plan because conditions are different. Diversity in the plan is required, also diversity of solutions. There is no silver bullet to drive the energy transition. It requires people coming together to discuss plans and solutions.”
Other members of the delegation include the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar as well as the Director-General, Climate Change Council, Dr. Salisu Dahiru.
From Siemens’ Energy, Ms. Nadja Haakansson, Managing Director for Siemens Energy Hub Africa; Seun Sulieman, Managing Director for Siemens Energy Nigeria; Sean Manley, Project Director for the Presidential Power Initiative as well as other top executives.