Energy advocate urges Nigerian govt, stakeholders to treat clean energy as economic opportunity

… Asks stakeholders to take advantage of FG’s $2 bn energy transition plan

The Federal Government and stakeholders in the energy sector have been called upon to intensify investments and research in clean energy, treating it as an energy solution and economic asset, especially as climate change continues to threaten limited resources and the environment.

Amarachi Clare Nnachor, a Chemist and clean energy advocate,described clean energy as energy produced with little or no harmful emissions, mostly from non-fossil sources, she stressed that Nigeria should be interested in this form of energy because the country still faces unstable electricity supply, high dependence on fuel generators, and serious environmental pollution.

Nnachor, who is a doctoral student and graduate research assistant at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, United States, stated this while speaking about green innovations and how they can impact Nigeria’s energy demand, economy, and environment.

She commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for unveiling a $2 billion energy transition plan early this year, aimed at strengthening green bond demand to back energy transition and also for channelling growing investor appetite into projects that reduce emissions while strengthening resilience across critical sectors.

In light of this, she noted that Nigeria’s clean energy transition is gaining global attention, but a lot of sustainable work, investment, research, and public awareness are needed to get the best out of the clean energy sector.

The chemist stated that Nigeria has the human talent and academic potential to sustainably invest and grow in clean energy Innovations. “We have skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, and many young innovators. What is needed now is stronger investment in research facilities, technical training, innovation funding, and partnerships between universities, government, and industry,” she said.

She revealed that her research focuses on advanced nanomaterials for clean energy applications, especially electrocatalysts for water splitting and hydrogen production. She added that she is particularly interested in studying functional active interfaces, where the catalyst surface, charge transfer, and chemical reactions interact to control energy conversion efficiency.

“Understanding these interfaces can help us design cleaner, more efficient, and lower-cost materials for hydrogen generation and related energy technologies. This is important for Nigeria because it can support more reliable energy systems, reduce dependence on diesel and petrol generators, and create opportunities for local innovation and industrial development,” she said.

The chemist further said that clean energy can be produced on a large scale that can power homes and industries, but that it depends on investment, infrastructure, and long-term planning. She revealed that her research into this innovation helps improve the materials that make these technologies more efficient and practical.

“Large-scale deployment would require pilot plants, manufacturing support, and integration with renewable sources such as solar power,” she said.

On the other hand, she stated that clean energy is usually more expensive at the beginning and cheaper over time, adding, “In reality, many Nigerians do not rely on grid power alone. They combine it with generators. So the real comparison is often solar versus grid-plus-generator. In that case, solar can be cheaper and more stable in the long run.”

On this note, Nnachor advised the Federal Government to treat clean energy as both an energy solution and an economic opportunity, emphasising that the government and relevant stakeholders should invest in research, local manufacturing, mini-grids, rural electrification, and industry partnerships towards the attainment of a sustainable clean energy sector.

“More work on solar materials, batteries, hydrogen production, biomass conversion, and affordable catalysts from local resources is needed to support and strengthen clean energy production. Stronger research on functional interfaces and real-world device performance is also needed. So, university work and research in this regard lead to practical solutions,” she said.

Nnachor stated that in five years, she expects stronger solar adoption, more mini-grids, better battery storage, and more serious work on hydrogen and clean fuels.

“Nigeria may not solve all its energy problems in five years, but it can build a solid foundation for a cleaner and more reliable future,” she concluded.