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Nigeria: Generator Importers Work to End Energy Crisis
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Vanguard (Lagos)
15 May 2008
Posted to the web 15 May 2008
Franklin Alli
Lagos
GENERATOR Importers arm of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said it is working towards assisting the nation to overcome the energy crisis confronting the country and has declared support for the proposed amendment on the Energy Commission Bill .
In a position paper on the proposed Energy Commission made available to Vanguard, Chairman of the group, Engr. Alfred Jagun, said the group considers it important for government to first and foremost, ascertain the strength and capability of the existing sources of energy instead of constructing new power stations that may not be put into use.
According to the group's presentation, "The group considers it important for government to first ascertain the strength and capability of the existing sources instead of constructing new power stations that may not be put into use.
This, they believe, will enable Government to plan better for the nation.
The generator importers have commissioned a company for the local manufacturing of transformers which can be used by 2-3 houses. This will assist in the distribution of current power generated efficiently. It is already in demonstration in Surulere area of Lagos State. The group believes that, this will reduce excessive load on the existing transformers provided by PHCN and also reduce the cost of energy to the national economy.
The group has also commissioned a consultant for the study of windmill to further boost the supply of existing energy generated.
However, due to the peculiarity of the windmill, a pilot scheme is being considered for Lagos State. When it is in operation, it will also help in ensuring efficiency in power supply.
The group has also commissioned a consultant to examine the feasibility of a factory to produce at least, 500,000 solar power system, which can be used by power consumers in both rural and urban areas. This, when operational, will be a cheaper source of power generation."
"The group noted that when power fails from the National Grid, its consumers can easily revert to solar, this will, at the end of the day, alleviate the problem of power failure because solar would serve as an alternative to the current electricity supply.
It further noted that the aim of the Association is to start with 3.5kw, which will be enough to power all essential household equipments. The solar alternative, it added, would be affordable to all.
The generator importers also intend to do some pilot scheme for some states, where solar system will be used to power Government utilities.
The states chosen are Lagos, Kano and FCT. It further noted that this solar power cannot be used by big manufacturers, but can be used by small scale industries."
The group further stated that the Energy Commission should be further empowered, not only to oversee alternative sources of energy, but be empowered to financially support the private sector in the giant strides taken to provide the needed solution and be able to partner in providing the needed financial support.
On Duty Payment, the group advocated that Government should look at ways of giving waivers on some of the component used for the assembling of local transformers pending when such companies would be able to manufacture locally. This is expected to be between 3-5 years.
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The generator importers believe that the empowerment of the Energy Commission to approve and support alternative sources of energy is critical and needs urgent attention for the improvement of the power sector.
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