FG is committed to advancing renewable energy for industrial growth – Minister

Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has expressed the Federal Government’s commitment towards renewable energy for industrial development ans socio-economic growth in the Country.

The Minister stated this during the signing of the green hydrogen deal between a Chinese firm, Loongi Green Energy Technology and Appl hydrogen Limited in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.

The project, he stated, represents a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.

“As the global energy landscape shifts towards cleaner alternative, investments in green hydrogen, green methanol and green ammonium production place Nigeria at the forefront of green energy innovation”, he noted.

He listed the benefits of science and technology integration in the sector to include industrial development, job creation, foreign investment attraction, as well as establishing Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.

According to Nnaji, the AHL project aligns with national priorities, particularly in fostering a robust research and development ecosystem that supports sustainable energy solutions.

He stated that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government in the areas of investment and technological advancement.

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The Minister however called for synergy between public and private sector stakeholders to enable the project achieve the desired success.

Earlier, Bamanga Usman Jada, Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, described the project as one that would diversify Nigeria’s economy, encourage exports and help solve the issue of foreign exchange.

“It will lead to technology transfer, create massive employment for our people; and it is environmentally friendly and sustainable”, he added.

Giving insights into the project, Idara Ekpo, the Chief Vision Officer of APPL Hydrogen Limited, said his company was going into the green hydrogen project because the world is moving towards green hydrogen to mitigate the effect of climate change. From green hydrogen, APPL Hydrogen will be producing green methanol which is one of its kind in the world.

“We will be producing one million, two hundred thousand metric tons per year of green hydrogen derivatives which is going to be green methanol for export. From that green methanol, we will have medical oxygen and food grade carbon dioxide”, he noted.

The company, he disclosed, is working alongside eleven other international companies on the project.

Earlier, the team led by the Minister had visited the project site in Atabrikang where it met with the Village head of the Community, Emmanuel Mkpokunam, and other leaders of the Community and notified them of Federal Government’s interest in the project.

Mkpokunam welcomed the team and pledged their support and commitment to the project, and prayed that it brings blessing and development to the community and its people.