UNN HOLDS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE /TRAINING WORKSHOP ON ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

From Chris Ugwuja, Nsukka

The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), between 25-27 June 2024, organized the 6th International Conference/Training Workshop on Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa (ICTWESDA) ‘2024. The conference took place at the National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), UNN.

Speaking at the Conference/Training Workshop, the Acting (Ag) Director NCERD, UNN, Dr. Izuchukwu Okafor said that the theme of this year’s conference was aimed at promoting sustainable energy access in Africa. He noted that the subject was both timely and critical considering the current state of energy access in Nigeria and across the continent.

Dr. Okafor further said that energy access was a very pressing challenge in Nigeria, despite being a country rich in natural resources. He added that a substantial portion of the population still lacked reliable access to electricity and that nearly 85 million Nigerians, representing 43 percent of the population, live without electricity.

He lamented that the energy deficit affects not only the quality of life but also stifles economic growth and development, stating that the challenges were multifaceted, including inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints and inconsistent policy implementation. He added that these hurdles create a complex environment where progress is often slow and unevenly distributed.

Dr. Okafor intimated that there was no doubt that renewable and alternative energy technologies have very critical role to play towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which hinged on access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for all in the year 2030. He suggested a massive investment on renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nigeria and Africa, which, according to him would go a long way in solving the energy crises, motivate economic growth and sustainable environment.

The Acting Director also revealed that the plenary and technical parallel sessions of the conference which were to be chaired by distinguished scholars, would cover the following areas: Solar thermal thin films, solar photovoltaic energy storage, energy efficiency, management biofuels wind energy/technology, energy environment, climate change, energy in education, energy and other related issues. He noted that the zoom links have been provided to all the participants and speakers, and most importantly to those who are participating virtually to enable them make their presentations.

“I am quite sure that the activities of this conference are very adequate to offer you the expected wonderful opportunities to interact extensively and share ideas with your peers and other eminent scholars working in your similar and other research areas. We are confident that your effective participation in the 2024 ICTWESDA activities will offer you a very rewarding technical and scholarly experience “, he concluded.