Energy Storage: Germans drive renewable energy in Nigeria

For two days, stakeholders and players in the alternate energy business gathered in Lagos and Abuja to proffer options to the debilitating and epileptic energy supply in Nigeria.

Organized and financed by the Foreign Energy Policy Fund of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AA), the 19th Edition of the Renewable Energy Potentials in Nigeria series tagged “Energy Storage” held in Lagos on Wednesday 25th and in Abuja on Friday 27th.  

It was facilitated by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos and the German Embassy Abuja, and implemented by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria.

According to reports by the International Energy Agency, lithium-ion battery price for stationary applications could fall below USD 200 per kilowatt-hour for installed systems by 2030.Driven by the upsurge of technological revolution in the automotive industry especially with regards to electric vehicles, battery cell cost will see even further drop, thereby opening the storage industry for greater investment.

However, one of the greatest challenges that Nigeria could encounter with batteries after their shelf-life, is inadequate collection and improper recycling. Without a structured benchmark assessment framework for disposal and handling of e-waste, the environment is largely unsafe. Therefore, there is the need for better co-ordination of e-waste management among industry stakeholders by the responsible government agency, and collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors in regards to the Extended Producer Responsibility legislation.

However, energy storage smooth out excess power generated from renewable sources (e.g. wind and solar) to provide a more reliable and robust supply that matches demand. Storage is changing the electricity value chain by bringing in control of energy demand and supply, preventing blackouts and balancing fluctuations across networks. At times of unexpected increases in demand on the grid, energy stored is discharged to the supply system in real time to provide additional supply and immediate back-up.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Lagos, Alexandra Herr emphasized the fact that seminar series is not just an information hub but much more a platform for bilateral trade promotion. “With the inclusion of B2B meetings into the series, we intend to create an avenue for speed dating among interested parties right on the spot. By this, we hope that beyond the exchange of information on industry trends which is of course relevant, new and beneficial business partnerships among participants will be forged”, said Ms. Herr.

On his part, Helmut Kulitz, the new Deputy of Head Mission, the German Embassy Abuja opined that the continued development of dynamic storage systems is proving to be vital to sustaining renewable energy growth. “Germany as the leading renewable energy market in Europe is no doubt a key player in this industry pushing boundaries in respect to lithium-ion battery designs and innovation”, Helmut noted during his Welcome Address in Abuja.

Godwin Aigbokhan, Head,Energy and Environment Desk of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Nigeria) mentioned that the consistent improvement of battery lifespan, depth of discharge and overall system performance among other things is helping to keep energy stored in optimal state and reduce the cost of maintenance while delivering the introductory speech.

The two-legged seminar was moderated by Temiloluwa Popoola – a seasoned Journalist and Lawyer. And speakers include Guluma Megersa of SMA Sunbelt GmbH (Frankfurt, Germany); Terseer Ugbor, CEO of Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN); and Engr. Vincent Ejike of IBETO Batteries and Accessories held in Lagos at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island and in Abuja at the Envoy Hotel.