The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), launched two Energy Efficiency Networks (EENs) in Kano State, Nigeria. This initiative aims to bolster the region’s commercial and industrial activities by tackling the pervasive energy challenges that hinder economic growth and social progress. Kano, a significant economic hub in northern Nigeria, faces substantial energy deficits, impacting the productivity and performance of businesses and manufacturers. These EENs are designed to promote inclusive growth while supporting the Nigerian government’s energy transition objectives. The EU’s longstanding engagement with Nigeria in addressing energy deficits underscores the importance of this collaboration. These networks offer a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative problem-solving, ultimately driving sustainable economic development in the region.
The launch of the EENs marks a significant step towards fostering a more energy-efficient industrial landscape in Kano. The EU has identified Kano’s energy deficit as a major obstacle to the state’s economic potential. By focusing on renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power, alongside energy efficiency improvements, the EU seeks to reduce energy costs for businesses, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment. This multifaceted approach is aligned with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), which emphasizes the importance of both expanding energy capacity and optimizing energy usage. The established EENs will play a pivotal role in disseminating best practices, providing technical expertise, and facilitating collaborative solutions tailored to the specific energy management challenges in Kano.
Kano State officials welcomed the initiative, recognizing the timely nature of the intervention given the persistent energy challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The high cost of energy and the unreliable supply are major burdens for businesses in the state, hindering their growth and competitiveness. Kano State’s significant energy needs, estimated at approximately 1,000MW, far exceed the current supply capacity, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The state government expressed its commitment to fully support the EENs and collaborate with the EU and German Cooperation to maximize their impact. They view the initiative as a crucial step toward addressing unemployment, particularly amongst the youth, and enhancing skills development to create a more employable workforce.
The German government, through its agency for international cooperation, GIZ, expressed its commitment to promoting energy efficiency as a driver of economic competitiveness in global markets. This aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which aims to drastically improve energy efficiency and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Germany recognizes the significant role energy efficiency plays in creating a more sustainable and competitive industrial sector. The collaboration between Germany, the EU, and Nigeria reflects a shared commitment to achieving these ambitious goals and creating a more sustainable and resilient economy. The EENs are envisioned as a catalyst for positive change, driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient practices within the industrial sector.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) recognizes the crucial link between energy efficiency and economic development. The launch of the EENs provides a structured approach to tackling the energy-related challenges faced by industries, particularly MSMEs, which bear a disproportionate burden from high energy costs and unstable power supply. These challenges hinder productivity, limit competitiveness, and stifle innovation. The EENs offer a platform for knowledge sharing, best practice dissemination, and collaborative problem-solving, empowering industries to optimize their energy management and enhance their overall performance. This in turn contributes to promoting green economic growth and combating climate change.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) lauded the initiative as a bold and commendable step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for Nigeria. The Nigeria Energy Support Programme, introduced alongside the EENs, has a proven track record of positive impact within the manufacturing sector, upskilling workers and generating cost savings through energy efficiency measures. MAN recognizes the critical role of energy in the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and the overall attainment of sustained economic growth. The EENs are expected to further amplify these positive impacts by facilitating wider adoption of energy-efficient practices and promoting a more resilient industrial sector. The collaboration between international partners, government, and industry stakeholders represents a concerted effort to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential by addressing the critical challenge of energy efficiency.
