EU to launch €30 million sustainable energy investment fund at Nigeria Energy Forum

LAGOS, Nigeria – The upcoming 4^th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF 2019) will focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 7 and on how to facilitate investments in sustainable electrification, grid modernization and digital energy technologies.

The former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), Engr. Adekunle Makinde, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that “the conference will feature the launch of the 30 Million Euro EU-funded multi-donor Electrification Financing Initiative’s Nigeria Window. The Fund will provide up to 30 million Euros in investments for off-grid and commercial and industrial captive power projects”.

The Forum will be held from April 9 to April 10 at the Admiralty Centre, Naval Dockyards, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Makinde said “Ms. Carla Montesi, Director, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development in the European Commission is expected to make a keynote presentation at the conference (subject to confirmation). The confirmed keynote speakers at NEF2019 are Prof. James Momoh, Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission; Dr. Weibe Boer, CEO, All On; and Engr. John Funso-Adebayo, NIEEE National Chairman”. 

The Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Oluwole Daniel Adeuyi said: “This year’s forum will address key themes pertinent to mobilising local and foreign investments for sustainable energy development in Nigeria”. 

Dr. Adeuyi said “the forum is expected to feature over 4 top-class hands-on capacity building workshops on Making Bankable Energy Projects, by the Sterling Bank; Electrification Finance Initiative (ElectriFI) Nigeria Window Launch, an EU-funded project managed by EDFI Management Company; Ghana-Nigeria Climate Innovation Exchange, by GhCIC, Ghana andEmpowering Young African Women in Energy, by IEEE HAC.

Over 250 participants are expected to attend 7 different technical, investment and training sessions, acquire new skills through practical exposure to modern energy technologies, and engage with expert speakers, exhibitors and training providers.

Makinde commented that “25 expert speakers have confirmed participation at the forum including Koide Takumi, Head Infrastructure, Japan International Corporation Agency, Nigeria; Ed. Ubong, MD/CEO, Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd., Adesola Alli, Head Renewable Energy, Sterling Bank; Ifeanyi Udoh, Head, Business Development, Schneider Electric; Ify Malo, Country Director, Power for All and Tony Carr. CEO Starsight Limited.

Others are Quentin Antoine, Senior Investment Officer, ElectriFI, an EU-funded project; Dozie Okpalaobieri, Energy Specialist, AfDB; Mrs. Heather Onoh, CEO, Smarter Grid International;Chuks Umezulora, Chief Operating Officer, Auxano; Bolade Soremekun, CEO Rubitec; Kunle Kudaisi, Head, Community Infrastructure Project, SPDC; and Milos Karic; Nigerian Energy Support Programme, GIZ.