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An updated version of the Nigeria Energy Calculator 2050 (NECAL 2050) was recently launched in a bid to assist Nigeria achieve its climate goals.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the Federal Ministry of Environment and the British High Commission in Abuja have jointly launched the updated bespoke energy and emissions model.
The British Deputy High Commission said the present version of the NECAL 2050 Calculator – a tool that allows users to trial different options for reducing emissions at a faster rate and to build a pathway that meets long-term emission targets to 2050 – is designed to help industries and the energy sector to set their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The NECAL 2050 will also help identify realistic solutions which support the implementation of Nigeria’s climate commitments.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu,The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said the energy planning tool would enable choices in energy development pathway to be examined, along with their environmental consequences.
He also stated that the NECAL 2050 model should form part of the national energy planning tools, adding that this could be used in planning energy needs for Nigeria’s Vision 2050 and beyond and would reflect Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy utilisation.
Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State for the Environment, also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian government to global climate protocols and the recent declaration at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties in Glasgow on meeting net-zero emissions by 2060.
“Towards this end, the Ministry as the national coordinating body of climate activities will leverage on this tool for policy and decision making for the implementation of Nigeria’s long-term strategy for climate change under the Paris Agreement, as well as identify realistic solutions towards supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s NDCs,” said Ikeazor.
In her remarks, the British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing noted that the launch of the Nigeria Energy Calculator 2050 further strengthens bilateral collaboration between the UK and Nigeria on the clean energy transition.
She remarked that Nigeria’s energy sector accounts for 60% of total greenhouse gas emissions and the sector is also key to the delivery of Nigeria’s many development priorities.
Laing further explained that it is therefore critical to understand the options that are available to reduce emissions while matching energy supply and demand.
She added: “I look forward to seeing the NECAL2050 tool supporting different sectors of government to design and deliver high-quality policies that enhance the conditions for strong governance, growth, job creation and poverty reduction.”
This update is the first of its kind in Africa – was delivered under the UK Government’s international 2050 Calculator programme, which is funded by the UK’s International Climate Finance, and was led by Mott MacDonald, and a consortium which includes Imperial College, Climact and Ricardo.
Nigeria has submitted updated NDCs, which include new mandates for industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The new NECAL 2050 Calculator reflects the prevailing policies, ongoing efforts in energy supply and demand, and proposes reference scenarios on energy production and consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from 2015 to 2050. The new version includes updates to six sectors: Transport, buildings, industry, CO2 removal and gases, electricity and land, and bioenergy and waste.
