Tapping off-grid generation, DisCo franchising are key themes in Future Energy Nigeria conference

 

This year’s edition of the Future Energy Nigeria conference and exhibition which will take place on November 12 and 13 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos will focus on bridging the Nigeria’s energy access gap through off-grid generation projects as well as the regulator’s plan to franchise the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), the organisers say.

The session around the off-grid market is themed “Bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap”  and will shine a light on off-grid projects of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), from increasing access rates to their positive impact in the communities.

Citing International Energy Agency (IEA), Damilola Ogunbiyi managing director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency in Nigeria , predicts that mini-grids could account for up to $300 billion of investment by year 2030 hence the Nigerian off-grid energy market opportunity is massive and mini-grids could account to up to $10 billion annually.

“This translates to huge economic opportunities for private sector developers and a larger vehicle for electrifying community clusters across rural and urban Nigeria. Mini-grids, indeed, are the future for reaching unserved and underserved communities with safe, reliable and clean energy,” said Ogunbiyi.
The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur, will give a keynote address on “India’s interest in working with the Nigerian power and energy ecosystem”.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) returns to Future Energy Nigeria as the featured country partner for the third year in a row, hosting a pavilion of almost 50 suppliers of specialized technology and services for the energy sector. Expected at the event are James Momoh, chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Ebipere Clark, Ag. Special Assistant (Energy) to the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria, Chiedu Ugbo, managing director/CEO Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) among others.

A panel session will discuss how  DisCos can utilise the provisions of the Eligible Customer declaration. Organisers say panel members will focus on inadequate TUOS and DUOS tariff structures in some regions; the unimplemented CTC mechanism for affected distribution companies; the current balancing mechanisms and the market for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in the Eligible Customer model.

There will also be discussions around recent regulations including Meter Asset Provider and DisCo Franchising. It will be an opportunity for operators to also present case studies and share experience

“The Future Energy Nigeria organisers are also proud to be partnering with the Nigeria Electricity Hub to ensure the conference tackles the most pressing challenges and that the discussions continue on their monthly Nextier Power Dialogue,” the organisers said in a release.