Manufacturers Thrive as ECN and UNIDO Boost Energy Efficiency Drive in Abuja
...As Manufacturers in Abuja Commit to Reducing Energy Expenses
ABUJA The Nigerian Energy Commission (ECN) has joined forces with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to broaden their energy efficiency initiative. This expansion includes engaging major industry players in Abuja.
The event signified the ongoing progress of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiative titled, "Enhancing Nigeria's Industrial Energy Efficiency and Promoting Resource-Efficient Clean Production via Programmatic Strategies and Innovations in Green Technologies."
Launched in April in Kaduna State, this initiative aims to integrate Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) best practices into chosen small, medium, and large-sized businesses throughout the country.
As part of this initiative, companies involved will embrace Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) strategies and put into place Energy Management Systems (EnMS) aimed at enhancing efficiency, minimizing wastage, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Speaking to the attendees at Interior Woodwork Limited in Abuja, Engr. Okon Ekpenyong, an industrial energy efficiency consultant for the ECN, highlighted the core concept of energy efficiency: providing necessary services with reduced electricity consumption.
The reason for our visit is indeed related to an ongoing issue: the energy crisis, which has persisted for a considerable duration.
And numerous initiatives at both national and international levels aim to figure out ways to lessen the impact," he stated, further noting that energy efficiency highlights either the scarcity or inadequacy of resources, thus emphasizing the necessity for conservation and minimizing waste in all forms.
Expanding on minimizing energy waste, Ekpenyong highlighted the significance of altering behaviors to tackle this issue via eco-conscious practices such as shutting down all power-consuming devices during midday breaks, deactivating major equipment and electric gadgets at the end of each workday, and operating only essential electrical items over weekends since businesses typically do not run at full capacity then.
Shifting focus to industrial uses, Engineer Ekpenyong highlighted that the same principles govern both machinery and production lines.
When discussing energy efficiency, it essentially means being able to obtain the desired services while decreasing your energy usage.
"So, upon your return to the industry, we're discussing how you can start producing using your machinery with reduced energy consumption but increased output," he explained.
He additionally highlighted the worldwide worry associated with energy production from industries utilizing fossil fuels such as diesel. He pointed out the clear link between fossil fuel usage and air pollution, emphasizing the necessity to reduce its output by only consuming what is essential.
As he stated, "In today’s interconnected world, countries in advanced economies prioritize both energy accessibility and environmental concerns. Therefore, they have chosen to back this initiative."
You see, GEF, the Global Environment Facility states that whenever we produce electricity using diesel or any other method, we release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Collectively, these emissions can impact our environment, resulting in what we refer to as climate change.
"So, their main worry revolves around climate change. They are currently stating that ultimately, the more you utilize something, the more you produce. Therefore, if you can decrease the quantity of energy you consume, you can lessen usage without cutting back on output—that’s the reasoning behind this," he clarified.
The representative from Interior Woodwork Limited in Abuja, John Oluwagbemiga, responded by praising the ECN/UNIDO team. He noted that the outreach was well-timed and appropriate.
“We appreciate this gesture. You talked about planning, and we are going to plan on the management of energy in our organisation going forward,” he remarked.
He mentioned that the firm would convene meetings, strategize, and outline a definitive and actionable energy conservation plan. Furthermore, he emphasized that strong leadership and dedication would be crucial for adhering to this strategy.
He conveyed his gratitude to the IEE project team for committing to enhance the capabilities of industry stakeholders in adopting optimal energy management techniques, encompassing activities such as conducting energy reviews, assessing performance, and performing audits.
The latest visit follows multiple trips made by the ECN/UNIDO team earlier this month after the initiation of the IEE project in Kaduna State, Nigeria. During these visits, which took place as part of the Kick-Off Review Meeting held at each company’s location, they toured several prominent businesses such as Chello Industries Limited; FaLGate Food Limited; Arewa Metal Container (ARMECO) Limited; Seven Up Bottling Company; and Kaduna Furniture and Carpets Company (KFCC) Limited.
The industry professionals who attended the meeting expressed their excitement about the partnership between ECN and UNIDO.
Numerous individuals committed to implementing the suggested RECP structures and EnMS guidelines, expecting that improved energy tracking and administration would strengthen both their competitive edge and environmental responsibility.
The project adopts a programmatic strategy encompassing training workshops, on-site inspections, and the creation of energy performance metrics, alongside scheduled evaluations throughout the coming two years.
As Nigeria aims to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement and strengthen its industries, the collaboration between ECN and UNIDO through the GEF initiative provides a relevant framework.
Through the adoption of cleaner production methods and encouragement of innovations in clean technologies, this initiative seeks to lower expenses for businesses as well as decrease the nation’s carbon emissions.
Participants have been encouraged to stay closely involved as the program progresses, making sure that energy efficiency is central to Nigeria’s industrial development.
Onlookers indicate that the triumph of this initiative might act as a blueprint for other African countries facing comparable industrial energy issues.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
