The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) between 25-27 June 2024 organized the 6th International Conference/Training Workshop on Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa (ICTWESDA) 2024 which was held at the National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), UNN.

Speaking at the conference/Training Workshop the Acting(Ag) Director NCERD, UNN, Dr. Izuchukwu Okafor said that the theme of this year’s conference aimed to promote sustainable energy access in Africa, noting that the subject was both timely and critical, considering the current state of energy access in Nigeria and across the continent

Dr. Okafor further said that energy access was a very pressing challenge in Nigeria, despite being a country rich in natural resources, adding that a substantial portion of the population still lacked reliable access to electricity and that nearly 85 million Nigerians, representing 43 percent of the population live without electricity.

He lamented that the energy deficit affects not only the quality of life but also stifles economic growth and development, stating that the challenges were multifaceted, including inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints and inconsistent policy implementation and that these hurdles create a complex environment where progress is often slow and unevenly distributed.

Dr. Okafor intimated that there was no doubt that renewable and alternative energy technologies have very critical role to play towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG), which hinged on access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for all in the year 2030, which he suggested massive investment on renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nigeria and Africa, which, he slso said would go a long way in solving the energy crises in Africa, motivate economic growth and sustainable environment.

The Ag. Director also revealed that the plenary and technical parallel sessions of the conference which were to be chaired by distinguished scholars would cover the following areas: Solar thermal, thin films, solar photovoltaic and energy storage, energy efficiency and management, biofuels, wind energy/technology, energy and environment, climate change and energy in education, energy and other related issues, adding that the zoom links have been provided to all the participants and speakers, and most importantly to those who are participating virtually to enable them make their presentations.

“I am quite sure that the activities of this conference are very adequate to offer you the expected wonderful opportunities to interact extensively and share ideas with your peers and other eminent scholars working in your similar and other research areas. We are confident that your effective participation in the 2024 ICTWESDA activities will offer you a very rewarding technical and scholarly experience “, he said.