Core area “Responsibility for our planet – climate and energy” Expanding the use of solar energy

Despite much investment, many parts of Nigeria have power for only a few hours a day. About three quarters of rural people are not connected to the grid but rely on environmentally harmful, expensive diesel generators for their power.

Solar-powered water reservoir in Ikot Ada Udo in the Niger delta

Germany supports the Nigerian government in boosting investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

An advisory programme that is co-financed by the European Union is aimed at improving the legal environment for the energy sector. For example, standards are being developed for better energy efficiency in buildings and in industrial facilities, and advanced training is being provided for specialists. A decentralised power supply based on photovoltaics is being developed with German support in specific rural regions. The programme will benefit up to 100,000 people.

This cooperation is part of the Nigerian-German energy partnership set up in 2007, which focuses on encouraging German private companies to get involved in the sector. This is an active effort to intertwine development cooperation efforts and private sector activities.

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