Nathaniel Lowbeer-Lewis

Today is World Environment Day and it's a chance to reflect on the impact the energy transition will have on climate change and helping balance the global ecosystem. Lots of good work underway in New Brunswick at Énergie NB Power focused on carbon free generation and achieving a clean grid by 2035 #WorldEnvironmentDay

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The Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and Mercy Corps have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the REA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. This collaboration seeks to bolster electricity cooperatives and improve electricity access across rural communities in Nigeria. The MoU outlines several key objectives, including the provision of capacity building for the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS), technical assistance for the Africa Mini-grid Programme (AMP), and support in developing sustainable business models for energy projects such as the Korean Energy Project. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of REA, highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing the agency’s mission of project sustainability. “Today’s MoU signing strengthens REA’s commitment to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of our projects,” he remarked. “Sustainability is not just about project completion but about implementing measures that ensure ongoing operations, maintenance, and revenue collection. The REUCS platform plays a crucial role in this regard, and through this partnership with Mercy Corps, we aim to further enhance our capabilities in sustaining deployed projects.” Ndubisi Anyanwu, Country Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “Today marks a pivotal moment for Mercy Corps as we formalize our collaboration with REA,” he stated. “This MoU signifies more than a partnership; it represents a shared vision to empower rural communities with access to electricity, thereby catalyzing economic growth and social development. We are committed to supporting REA’s mandate and envision a Nigeria where every community, no matter how remote, has reliable access to electricity for homes, education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic advancement.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbcfQBuD #RenewableEnergy #Solar #CleanEnergy #Nigeria

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A new report from Energy Futures examines what is required for B.C. to achieve its mandated ZEV sales target of 90% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The report finds there are significant public charging infrastructure and electricity generation gaps that need to be closed if the government's targets are to be achieved. B.C. is planning on building 10,000 public chargers by 2030, 30,000 less than what is required to support an increasingly electrified fleet. Powering this infrastructure depends on an additional 2,700 GWh of electricity generation capacity. Automakers are committed to helping the provincial government move to a lower carbon economy and increase the number of ZEVs on B.C.'s roads. There are now over 80 ZEV models available in every size and vehicle segment with an additional 40 models expected this year. But achieving these ambitious sales targets depends on stronger consumer support in the form of consumer financial and non-financial incentives, charging infrastructure, grid investments, and education. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ehzCSm3z

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Exciting News for CFB Gagetown! Federal officials have announced a groundbreaking project set to transform the base in Oromocto, NB. 💡🌞 With $19.7 million allocated to a new solar farm, expected to power over two-thirds of the base's energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,200 tons annually, it's a big step towards sustainability! The project aims to slash energy costs by 24% by 2026, saving approximately $3 million per year. Plus, over 200 jobs will be created during construction, benefiting the Oromocto area. Let's celebrate progress towards a greener future! 🎉🌎 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cFye5r #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenTech #EnergyTransition #ElectricityTransformation #ChargeSolar

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I finally managed to read the recent report on “Empowering Women in Clean Energy: Advancing and Retaining an Equitable Workforce” by Shortlist Professionals and the The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). The report explores what limits women’s advancement and retention, even when obstacles to recruitment have been overcome. What did the study find?   1️⃣ The study highlights that training of employees is not a strategic priority for many firms. Many companies offer specific product knowledge training, as it directly impacts sales, but other training efforts tend to be reactive.   2️⃣ The the study confirms the global pattern that female employees are less likely to have access to skilling at work. This is true across many countries and industries, but particularly so in male-dominated industries like (clean) energy. What is holding back women’s ability to advance and be retained? While lots of discussions around adult learning and enterprise training focus on financial barriers, I was happy to see that the study sheds light on a lot of non-financial constraints for firms and women. For example:   👉 Small firms, incl. in the clean energy sector, often face intense pressure to survive. This leaves little bandwidth for leadership teams to focus on employee development 👉 Women’s uneven share of home responsibilities makes it harder for them to take advantage of new work opportunities, training, and extracurricular activities that are associated with advancement 👉 Women may self-select out of jobs or drop out of a job or industry when the job features require them to break with gender norms (e.g., around travel, manual labor). This is reinforced by family pressure, as women may have to convince their families that the job suitable for them 👉 Cultural barriers can prevent junior staff, esp. women, from being proactive and outspoken at work, incl. when it comes to seeking advancement opportunities 👉 Women’s aspirations and values can differ from those of their male peers 👉 Lack of role models. When there are few women in leadership positions, this lack of visibility discourages women in junior and mid-level positions from seeking advancement 👉 Unwelcoming work environments. In male-dominated fields, women often face harassment or hostility from colleagues and clients. They may be excluded from information sharing networks and may not acquire the same skills they need to thrive in their roles.   These findings closely mirror what we found in our own research at Prospera Consulting about barriers to up/reskilling for workers, firms and training providers, suggesting that up/reskilling efforts are often held back by psychological, social and belief-related obstacles.   Unfortunately, policy efforts to encourage (equitable) up-/reskilling are still largely centered around financial subsidies to firms or workers, which do not address the above-mentioned constraints. Ciara Marie Remerscheid Shivani Kotecha Paul Breloff

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🌱 Excited to share my latest research on scaling renewable energy cooperatives for a net-zero Canada, co-authored with Marc-André Pigeon! 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ggpxadeY Key Takeaways: • The number of active Renewable Energy Cooperatives (RECs) in Canada has decreased, with Ontario remaining the central hub of activity. • Solar energy dominates REC production, followed by wind and biofuels, with home retrofits focusing on energy efficiency. • REC membership models vary across Canada, with investor-focused models in Ontario and retail/employee ownership in British Columbia and Quebec. • RECs face significant barriers, including economic challenges, policy restrictions, and social obstacles. Key enablers for success include board expertise and supportive government policies. • Despite these challenges, efforts to scale up RECs through second-tier organizations show promise, but overcoming barriers like funding, expertise, and volunteer burnout is crucial.

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The youth of today will shape the energy industry of tomorrow. We at BlackPeak Energy recognize the important role the youth will play in the future. Let's continue to work together to build a brighter future for our future leaders. Contact us for your EPC, energy auditing or GHG advisory via www.blackpeakenergy.com #BlackPeakEnergy #EPC #energyperformancecertificates #GHG #Greenhousegases #GHGadvisory #YouthDay

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Interesting Hydrogen strategy progress report from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)! It confirms that "hydrogen continues to have a role to play in meeting global energy needs in the context of energy security, energy transition and the broader #climate imperative. Canada’s low-carbon hydrogen produced for export will contribute to sustainable #greenjob creation, international #energysecurity, and global emissions reductions. In Canada’s #netzero climate objectives, low-carbon hydrogen will supplement electrification and other carbon mitigation approaches by helping to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors where electrification alone would be less economical or technically unfeasible." https://lnkd.in/eKdMKHj5 #hydrogenstrategy #canada

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The United States Department of Energy is set to bolster Kenya's green energy transition with significant investment plans focusing on e-mobility and clean power generation sectors. Deputy Secretary David Turk highlighted Kenya's enviable position with 93% of electricity sourced from renewables, emphasizing the country's leadership in geothermal energy globally. Turk underscored ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and Kenya's government to create a conducive environment for green energy investments. This partnership extends beyond financing to include policy and capacity-building initiatives essential for leveraging Kenya's comparative advantage in clean energy. Recently, Kenya launched the Green Resilient Electricity System Programme, aimed at achieving a complete transition to 100% clean power generation by 2030. This initiative, launched by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and the European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, focuses on expanding green electricity production and enhancing grid stability. Kenya currently sources 91% of its energy from renewable sources, including substantial contributions from geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar sources. With vast potential to expand geothermal capacity up to 10,000 MW, Kenya aims to exceed current peak demand, signaling robust growth opportunities in sustainable energy development. #GreenEnergy #USKenyaPartnership #RenewableEnergy #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableEnergy #EnergyTransition #GeothermalPower #CleanEnergy #Kenya2030 To read more: https://zurl.co/OemY

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Pleased to meet Daniel Alexander Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank (AfDB), at the Africa Energy Forum. With a $65B investment opportunity in minigrids, we could connect 265 million people to clean, affordable electricity, unlocking new opportunities. 1. We highlighted the need for a strong pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in Africa to enhance access to financing. 2. Initiatives like the G7’s Energy for Growth and the Africa Minigrids Program, targeting rural electrification in 21 countries, are key to transforming energy markets and driving socio-economic development. 3. I commend the recent partnership between the @World Bank and @African Development Bank, aiming to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030. Such partnerships are vital to bringing integrated solutions at scale and achieving transformative change through. #EnergyForDevelopment. ⚡

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Clean hydrogen projects are proliferating on the edges of Africa, but Meron T. at The Energy for Growth Hub writes in Cipher News that such efforts must begin by clearing the hype: https://lnkd.in/g3r2Rd7W ⬇ Check out this map, and click on ⬆ link for an interactive version.

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Africa-focused renewables company Infinity Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cameroon West Regional Council to develop up to 4 GW of renewable energy projects by 2035. Infinity Power will focus on a range of renewable energy technologies, including solar, battery storage, wind, hydro and biomass plants. Nayer Fouad, CEO at Infinity Power, said: “Here at Infinity Power, we are always looking for new opportunities to build projects in new countries. This impressive facility, which will utilise wind and solar power amongst other technologies, has the potential to transform energy provision in the area, help bolster Cameroon’s economy, and deliver huge benefits to local communities.” UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) will support Infinity Power on the development of the renewable energy projects by providing technical assistance, participating in feasibility studies, developing a governance system for energy generation and distribution, creating programmes for the productive use of energy, and more. Dr Vincent Kitio, Lead of Urban Energy Solutions at UN-Habitat, added: “The Western region of Cameroon has an abundant renewable energy potential exceeding 6 GW. “The region receives only 100 MW of electricity from the national grid for a population of over 2 million people energy, resulting in a huge energy deficit. UN-Habitat welcomes this transformative energy project that will set the region toward a real socio-economic development and impact the lives of over 5 million Cameroonians.” In addition to Cameroon, Infinity Power is active in Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana and Mauritania. Infinity Power currently has 1.3 GW of renewables in operation and a target to reach 10 GW in operation by 2030. #cleanenergy

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Earlier this month, CCA participated in the first #COP29 High-level #EnergyTransition Dialogue. CCA CEO Dymphna van der Lans highlighted the important role #CleanCooking plays in mitigating #ClimateChange, particularly by reducing of black carbon emissions. #DYK: Household cooking and heating is responsible for 50% of human generated black carbon emissions, and it has a warming effect up to 1,500 times stronger than CO2 emissions. During COP29, is critical to collectively address these harmful emissions. 🔥 ‍💨 Learn more about the dialogue following the #CleanCookingSummit: https://ow.ly/w6n250S11BY

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Has ESG peaked? Jackie Forrest and I dig into the question on this #ARCEnergyIdeas. We review articles and research that point to the recent loss of momentum and profile for the #ESG movement. Has the anti-ESG movement started to change companies’ reporting and actions? There are examples of businesses exiting sustainability-focused organizations. Still, sustainability isn’t going away — companies continue to report on their #sustainability performance and set goals for improvement.   https://lnkd.in/g_nk44GN

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✨⚡Exciting news from our partners and friends at the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and EM-ONE Energy Solutions! In case you missed it, the two also recently signed an MoU to pioneer the development and deployment of 350MW of renewable energy projects across Nigeria. This will be backed by a $750 million investment though the The World Bank’s Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project, to be administered by REA in an effort to amplify the country's generation capacity. EM-ONE will spearhead several initiatives, including interconnected minigrids (IMGs), to serve as pivotal components for grid modernization efforts. Read on. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ge5yW8Q6 #EAIF2024 #MinigridsForAfrica #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition  

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is offering grants from $10,000 to $250,000 in the second funding round of the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) to develop off-grid solar in 13 West African and sub-Saharan African countries. The application deadline is June 23. ECOWAS has opened its second grant call under its ROGEAP initiative. Co-funded by the The World Bank, Clean Technology Fund and the Directorate General for International Cooperation of the Netherlands, ROGEAP aims to expand sustainable electricity access through off-grid solar products in ECOWAS member countries and four Sahelian nations. Thirteen out of 19 project countries are eligible for financial support and technical assistance in the latest funding round: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dRf9YP3p #RenewableEnergy #Solar #Africa #Funding

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Our president, Rajiv J. Shah, spoke with CNBC Africa about expanding clean energy access across the continent. We are working with The World Bank and the African Development Bank Group to help realize the ambition of electrifying 300 million people across Africa by 2030, 1/3 of whom are in Nigeria. Rajiv J. Shah shared stories of entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses after switching from diesel generators to solar power. These changes aren't just good for the environment - they're creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth. "When we multiply that across the continent in sub-Saharan Africa, we can have a real impact in restarting inclusive growth" What are your thoughts on scaling clean energy access in Africa? How can we accelerate progress towards universal, sustainable energy? Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/e2P44GUd #CleanEnergy #EconomicOpportunity #LetsChangeEnergy

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Federal Government Allocates Funds For Electrification Projects Across Nigeria In a bid to bolster electricity access across Nigeria’s rural areas, the Federal Government has designated funds within the 2024 Appropriation Act for electrification projects. To facilitate this initiative, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is calling upon seasoned Nigerian contractors to participate by submitting tenders and prequalification documents as mandated by the Public Procurement Act 2007. These electrification endeavors encompass a diverse array of tasks, including the procurement and installation of transformers, solar mini-grids, and solar streetlights within various communities. The projects are delineated into three principal categories: Grid Extension, Solar Mini Grid/Solar Home System, and Solar Street Light. Grid […] Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dZhKZnJN #solarenergy #alternativeenergy #solarpv #pvsolar #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #cleantech #climatechange #middleeast #africa #india #asiapacific #asia #africa #nigeria #nigeria’sruralelectrificationagency #renewableenergy #solarenergy #solarmini-grids

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How often do you get to be right? Last week I posted on the two biggest killers of capital projects: 1) Lack of take-off agreements (revenue) 2) Untrustworthy regulatory regimes. On carbon capture these two things go hand in hand. The regulatory regime creates the only market for GHG reductions either through penalizing (taxing) production or aftermarket trading carbon credits for those who opt to buy their way out of the tax or need a bridge until their project is completed. While on somethings you can never tell, it is nice to be validated. Let's ignore the climate change angle and focus on lessons for capital projects (or translate it into lessons learned for capital projects). Quotes from this article supporting items #1 & #2. Revenue "With so much of the project’s economics resting on incentives from Canada’s carbon pricing system for large emitters, it’s clear this system isn’t yet living up to its potential." "widespread uncertainty about the future of industrial carbon pricing that’s holding up major low-carbon investment." " The solution needs to .... a standardized carbon contracts for difference program that’s easy to access and guarantees carbon-credit revenue for low-carbon projects right across the economy." (ie transparent and known) "carbon contracts for difference offerings, potentially including standardized contracts" Regulatory "more certainty about the system’s long-term durability. Both the federal and provincial governments need to step up." #risk #contingency #projectdevelopment #projectfinance #regulatory https://lnkd.in/dK4i5F5H

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