“Unique opportunity for African countries to have an alternative energy source”
The renewable energy sector in West Africa is growing fast and with the right framework, large and small scale projects are doable.
During the 2nd edition of West Africa Power Summit 2016, WAPS will once again gather governments, private investors, and businesses, senior decision makers from utilities, large power users, consultants, contractors and citizens to work together by discussing the challenges of local markets, capacity building and investment. Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Power has endorsed the event, taking place at the Eko Hotel in Lagos from 20th September 2016.
Great potential in the country
With regards to the current state of renewable energy in the country, Renewable energy over the years has received significant attention from policy makers, private sector, civil society, and others owing to its great potential in the country. The recent privatization of the Nigerian Power Sector has also helped to address the need for the deployment of renewable energy in various locations of the country.
Unique opportunity for African countries
According to reports from Industry experts, Renewable Energy is the advantage of renewables over other conventional energy sources. The integration of renewable energy systems into the national system need not follow the conventional power infrastructure. Renewable Energy technologies are very compatible with a decentralised, stand-alone or small power generating unit, which enables local/rural communities far from urban areas to have access to basic electricity needs.
Furthermore renewable energy off-grid systems do not put unnecessary burden on existing grid capacity, neither do they require system balancing nor need to be managed by the national grid system operators. But, there is a unique opportunity for African countries to have a diversified energy source and yet to limit the risks of exposing the continent to the current high costs of power infrastructure which are not expected to decline in the nearest future.
Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in the region
Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in renewable energies in the region. The sector is on a good way to roll-out large-scale renewables. Renewables (in particular PV solar) can add much needed generation capacity in a relatively short period of time compared to conventional power plants with longer construction times. There are a lot of advantages that authorities will need to explore.
Some major challenges in expanding renewables in the region includes inconsistencies in the regulatory framework, lack of protection of investors and long licensing procedures etc…
Renewables in a decisive phase
The WAPS 2016 is a great platform to discussing “Accessing Finance for Renewable Power Projects”, and how a structured support programme can improve access to finance.
At WAPS 2016, we are looking forward to fruitful deliberations that will showcase renewable energy potential and point to ways of harnessing these potential for the development of the West African region. The renewable energy market in West Africa is growing fast and with a right framework (financing options, regulatory instruments etc.), large and small scale projects are doable.
Other topics at WAPS 2016 will include:
- Alternative/Renewable Energy
- Capacity Building
- Policies
- Influence on the sustainability of power productions in the region
- Strategic opportunities needed to drive private sector partnerships.
Industry support
The West Africa Power Summit is enjoying overwhelming support from the industry with the global networking partners and media firms such as, Power for all, CREN, NERC, Ventures Africa, Pulse NG, Orient Energy Review, Energy Institute etc…
The West Africa Power Summit 2016 (WAPS) is organised by Flintxposures Limited, a leading Nigerian exhibition and conference organiser, based in Lagos. We are focused on creating platforms that connect leaders, investors and policy makers to maximise every viable opportunity in their specific industries through organized high level summits. Our summits are tailored towards economic development and enhancing returns on investments.
WAPS dates and venue for 2016:
Conference day: 20th September 2016
Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: www.westafricasummits.com
LinkedIn: Flintxposures Nigeria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flintxposures
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flintxposuresNG
Contact:
Managing Director & CEO: Oti Ukpai
Telephone: +234(1)2957730, +2348063011571
Email: oti.ukpai@flintxposures.com
Website: www.flintxposures.com
Media, Research & Content Executive: Ekpa Ntan
Telephone: +2348096596047, +234(1)2857730
Email: ekpa.ntan@flintxposures.com
Website: www.flintxposures.com