Clean Technology Hub E-Mobility Webinar: The Role of Solar & Minigrid in the Development of E-Mobility In Nigeria (Communique)

Abuja, September 30th, 2021 — Clean Technology Hub hosted its first webinar spotlighting the E-Mobility sector, primarily aimed at creating awareness into the development of E-Mobility in Nigeria. This webinar focused on the important role of solar and mini-grids in providing charging infrastructure to Electric Vehicles (EVs). A major challenge to the adoption of EVs in Nigeria has been the lack of electricity access, especially in rural areas, the provision of solar and mini-grids are a cost-effective solution to this problem.

Ms Ifeoma Malo, Founder/CEO of Clean Technology Hub, moderated an insightful panel discussion which delved right into the current state of the nascent sector and possibilities for solar and mini grid players. She was joined on the panel by industry stakeholders such as Mr Bolade Soremekun, Founder/CEO, Rubitec Solar Nigeria; Ms Nina Itemuagbor, Senior Manager Customer Experience, PowerGen and Mr Chris Nwachukwu, Head of Field Operations, GVE Nigeria. The questions posed covered varying topics within the clean energy sector, including the energy transition from fuel to electricity, present infrastructure, effective policies and legislature as well as further business development.

Key takeaways from the event indicated a promising future for the EV sector;

1. All panelists agreed that there is a great need for Nigeria to fasten the adoption rate through awareness creation and advocacy for the right legislation and government support for the manufacturers of EVs.
2. Secondly, the transition to electric vehicles will lead to the development of the Nigerian transport system. Furthermore, the EV market is at its early stage, so there is a need for more cooperation among mini grid developers and the EVs manufacturers to provide infrastructure such as charging stations.
3. Thirdly, there is a dearth of data on E-Mobility which is a challenge, as more readily available data will greatly help the development of an ecosystem that exists for research and data purposes and there is the need to begin to collate this data for market use.
4. Another salient point raised was the intersection between the EV sector and gender, highlighting the vast opportunities for women within this space. EVs are built to be women-friendly, with less noise and a maintenance free model. These EVs are sustainable especially because of the benefit of zero cost for fueling and also just a token is paid for charging.

The responses from the panelists left room for more questions and a need to begin to map a holistic value chain ecosystem to force the E-mobility ecosystem. Many of the issues raised on this webinar would be part of the series at the next E-Mobility webinar which will be held in November 2021.

To watch the first edition in full, Click here: https://bit.ly/2YtR2Dg