UNIDO and EU Launch Small Hydro-Power Initiative to Boost Nigeria's Agricultural Sector

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has initiated a Small Hydro-Power (SHP) project, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), to enhance Nigeria's agricultural sector. The SHP initiative, titled "Promoting Small Hydropower Development and Circular Economy Approaches in Nigeria," aims to boost food value chains and promote food security. The project will focus on increasing the capacity of small hydro power in the total energy mix to enhance productivity along agricultural value chains and promote decent work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UNIDO-SHP initiative aims to increase the capacity of small hydro power in Nigeria's energy mix to promote productivity along agricultural value chains.
  • The project, funded by the EU, will enhance livelihoods, promote food security, and decent work.
  • The initiative will be implemented across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with state partnerships to complement EU funding.
  • The SHP-DAIN project will focus on human and institutional capacity building, including training for policy and decision makers, renewable energy project developers, and financial institutions.
  • The EU has supported the project with 5,000 Euros and has a track record of fostering sustainable energy projects, including the Nigerian Energy Support Programme.
  • Over a hundred developers received comprehensive training on solar technologies and project implementation under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme.
  • The project emphasizes scalability, knowledge transfer, and seed funding for sustainable renewable energy ventures.
  • The UNIDO and EU collaboration is crucial for achieving agricultural transformation and food security through sustainable energy practices.

Statistics:

  • The project aims to scale activities across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
  • The UNIDO-SHP initiative will focus on increasing the capacity of small hydro power in the total energy mix.
  • The EU has supported the project with 5,000 Euros.
  • Over a hundred developers received comprehensive training on solar technologies and project implementation under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme.
  • The SHP-DAIN project will focus on human and institutional capacity building, including training for policy and decision makers, renewable energy project developers, and financial institutions.

Sources:

  • "UNIDO starts SHP initiative for Nigeria's agro-industry use." (June 2023)
  • European Union delegation Programme Manager for Energy, Green, and Circular Economy to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, presentation at the workshop on Tuesday.