The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited to create a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Center and expand the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The agreement, signed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria, China Energy Engineering Corporation and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, seeks to address Nigeria’s energy challenges through strategic partnerships.
The Director- General of the ECN, Mustapha Abdullahi said the collaboration with the Chinese aligns with Nigeria’s power sector reforms.
“These reforms, including the amendment of the constitution and the signing of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023, empower states to regulate their own electricity markets, making the Nigerian Governors’ Forum a vital partner in this initiative”, Abdullahi said.
The signed Memorandum of Understanding outlines a comprehensive framework that includes support for state-level energy planning, expansion of energy resource capacity, particularly through solar, wind, and hydro-electric solutions, and the development of green energy infrastructure.
The partnership will also establish a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre, with the aim of boosting technological innovation and human capacity development in the renewable energy space.
“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to expand access to clean energy, strengthen energy planning at the state level and promote sustainable technology in line with our national energy masterplan and national developmental goals, Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology said at the signing ceremony.
Minister Nnaji said the agreement was a key step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between both countries and reflected mutual respect and shared commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Director Abdullahi said the Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre will support Nigeria by providing cutting-edge technology research.
Other benefits of the MoU includes attraction of investment, improved energy security, generation of sustainable employment, development of green energy infrastructure and accelerated energy access across the nation.
Nigeria’s power generation remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with renewables accounting for less than 5% of the energy mix.
This MoU is the latest activity aimed at achieving the country’s Energy Transition Plan’s target of 30% renewable capacity by 2030 which will contribute a 30GW total energy mix.
However, this will require significant investment and policy consistency which the MoU ensures.
