The Peoples Republic of China has donated rural solar equipment to Nigeria, while seeking cooperation to provide solution to electrical shortages through transfer of renewable energy technologies into the country.
Mr Ji Yuxin, Country Representative of Power China, the principal surveyor of China’s wind energy resources, made the donation through the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Abuja on Friday.
Yuxin said the cooperation was to boost Nigeria’s access to renewable energy in rural communities and also promote the transfer of renewable energy technologies and green energy to Nigeria.
“As the first step, Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province will like to donate 200 sets of off-grid photovoltaic equipment to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
“This project aims to provide the solution of electricity shortages in rural areas where national grid is not accessible,’’ Yuxin said.
He maintained that the project would also promote local science and technology, economic development and improve the livelihood of Nigerians.
Furthermore, he said, the project would play a significant demonstration effects in Nigeria, that the ministry would play a leading role in innovation and promotion of new energy in Nigeria.
“This will also help Nigeria to realise the planned carbon emission and zero target as scheduled.
“Thousands of Nigerians will benefit from this initiative and embrace this free light generated from natural resources,’’ Yuxin said.
Responding, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, told the visitors that the process of drafting the MoU between both countries was almost completed.
Onu represented by Mohammed Abdullahi, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, said the major focus was the partnership which was on course.
He said Nigeria, through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), was working on the possibility of reducing carbon emissions which is dangerous to the ecosystem.
“This support of the Chinese government is in line with our cause and is going to stem the tide of rural-urban migration.
“The challenge of the rural communities is lack of power, so this kind of energy solution can be deployed in the rural areas.
“We are very confident that there will be no need for rural people coming to the city because there will be enough energy supply,” he said.
The minister expressed appreciation to China for its continuous cooperation in various areas of interest.
