NEED TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE SOURCES FOR OUR ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

BY: ISAAC AYOZIE
Power failure and scarcity of petroleum products like petrol, kerosene and cooking gas for domestic uses are common phenomenon which Nigerians are familiar WITH. THE EPILEPTIC POWER SUPPLY IS AS A RESULT OF PHCN’S INABILITY TO generate and transmit enough electricity, WHILE THE FAILURE of our refineries to produce the MUCH needed products due to THEIR incessant breakdown CAUSES SUPPLY DISLOCATIONS.


Many citizens have resorted to generating sets as substitutes while felling of woods remains an irresistible alternative for domestic cooking. NO DOUBT, this present reality has NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES. For instance, the fumes and noise emitted from the generating sets to say the least is dangerous to human health.

The felling of woods aggravates environmental degradation thereby contributing to the global climatic change. Another disturbing dimension to it is the erroneous impression that acquisition of generating set is now a status symbol. This is reflected in OUR “I better pass my neighbour” MANTRA IN THE LOCAL PARLANCE among those who CAN afford generating sets. Regrettably, this can only create unnecessary rivalry which would boost the market for dealers of such products and probably divert attention from the primary issue of finding solution to our energy needs. We need to be reminded that generating sets in certain climes have little or no value due to availability of reliable power. Rather than depend on conventional energy sources THERE IS need to be redirected OUR ENERGY TOWARDS alternative sources like solar, wind, biomass, biofuel, coal and nuclear energy. The Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN IS THE government organ charged with the mandate to carry out overall energy sector and policy implementation. IT IS ALSO to promote the diversification of the energy resources through the development and optimal utilization of all energy sources. THE ECN ALSO serves as a data base for these sources of energy. THIS AGENCY THEREFORE NEED TO STEP UP ITS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE CREDIBLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NATION.

These new sources which mostly come under renewable energy FORMS are not only sustainable but environmentally friendly. For instance, biomass is the conversion of animal and human waste into heat energy. Whereas biofuel is extracted from a weed known as Jatropha. There is also clay stove which is the improved form of domestic traditional stove we have in our homes. It uses firewood due to the way it is fashioned. Also, coal briquettes that is, bleached coal for domestic cooking is a veritable alternative which is very economical for family use. TO THIS END, we must change our attitude towards energy consumption. THERE IS THE need to have preference for electrical appliances which conserve energy. One of such products is the compact fluorescent lamps, CFL, which CONSUMES LESSER AMOUNT OF energy consumption and lasts as long as twelve years. It would surely cut the electricity expense. Also the private sector needs to partner with the stakeholders in the energy sector be it government, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations – NGO – or donor agencies to tackle the energy challenge.

This can be done by investing on small and medium dams for the purpose of hydro electricity projects. With the availability of rivers and streams this may not be too difficult. The National Assembly should hasten the passage of the energy policy bill to facilitate the energy plan and programmes of the country. Equally, the energy master plan should be implemented without further delay. The energy situation in this country has reached a level where all hands must be on deck to alleviate it. For years the conventional power sources have failed us and the economic consequences are too enormous. We must borrow a leaf from the other countries, like Ghana, Egypt and other third world nations who have improved their energy situation. The importance of energy in our daily lives cannot be over emphasized. No economy can grow without availability of energy. We need energy to power our industrial equipments for productivity. Energy is a must for our domestic needs. Companies that have left Nigeria due to high operational cost resulting from high energy bill might be encouraged to return if the energy sector is improved. This is a goal we all must aspire to achieve.

Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary.