NIES 2022: APPO Advocate for Further Engagement on Global Energy Transition Agenda to Clarify Africa’s Position
By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
The African Petroleum Producer Organization (APPO) has advocated for further engagement on the global energy transition agenda to clarify Africa’s position in the transition towards renewable energies.
At a recent international panel session during the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2022 in Abuja, APPO’s Secretary-General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, made this known, noting that Africa isn’t against Energy Transition, but, the transition fuels wouldn’t be the same in Africa.
He said the Energy Transition Agenda was set by a group of people who have been using fossil fuels for over 100 years to develop the economies and well-being of the people.
“Now, we are being told that these fuels that have changed the lives of people in Europe and America aren’t good for us.
“In Africa, what we need is a just energy transition that will allow us to identify our baseload.”
Over the years, he said, African oil-producing countries have been working on Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) plan aimed at improving fossil fuels production.
He pointed out that the developed world agenda on energy transition include a Clean, Reliable, and Affordable (CRA) energy system, and this is while Africa’s energy system is different from them.
“For us in Africa, our priorities are Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy (ARC) system. Without this energy, you can’t get good health, food, education, social and economic benefits.
“Africa’s priority for Energy is centralized on Affordability, Reliability, and Cleanliness.
“We need to discuss further and agree on the energy transition agenda for the best interest of everyone.
“Nobody should dictate for Africa on this matter. Africa cannot be intimidated in accepting an ideology that isn’t in the best interest of the continent,” he added.
