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THE federal government is articulating an energy mix profile to move national energy supply capacity to over 30,000MW in the next 10 years.
ABUJA - THE federal government is articulating an energy mix profile to move national energy supply capacity to over 30,000MW in the next 10 years.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, made this known in a paper at the conference on bridging the digital and scientific divide yesterday in Abuja.
The paper was entitled, "Science and Technology in Nigeria - Opportunities for Collaboration with the Nigerian in Diaspora."
The current national generation capacity stands at between 3,000 to 4,000MW
Isoun said that the mix under consideration included the nuclear energy power plant, coal, wind, bio mass, hydrogen fuel cell, wave and tidal options.
He said that the decision to explore other alternatives such as building and utilising nuclear power plants, were guided by the fact that the current energy mix was grossly inadequate for the nation's industrial growth.
He said that a presidential directive has already been sought for discussion with relevant international organisations and potential foreign partners on policy issues.
According to him, this also covers capacity-building and infrastructure provision for the establishment of nuclear power plant for peaceful uses.
He said that a comprehensive energy policy with a major shift in policy in favour of private sector participation had been launched.
Isoun who noted that efficient power generation and supply was vital for economic growth urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to take advantage of the policy and actively participate in the power sector.
He said that government has initiated policies and established relevant implementing agencies for the flagship of science and technology programmes in Information and Communications Technology, Biotechnology and Space technology.
He said concentration on this aspect of technology would attempt to leapfrog Nigeria's entry into the global knowledge economy.
He called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to collaborate with local scientists, government and the academia on training and capacity-building.
According to him, this should encompass human infrastructural and institutional dimensions geared towards raising knowledge in the country.