Stakeholders in the environment, energy and renewable energy sectors have converged in Awka, Anambra State, for a two-day workshop on the management of waste from used off-grid renewable energy equipment.
The workshop is being organised by the Anambra State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to develop a state-level implementation plan and guideline for the National Policy on Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) Waste Management.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, highlighted the efforts of the Anambra State Government in promoting renewable energy, noting that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is prioritising its clean and green environment agenda as part of efforts to transform the state.
Aguiyi disclosed that Governor Soludo had approved the creation of a Climate Change Unit in the Ministry of Environment.
He conveyed the state government’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with UNIDO, stressing that Anambra was prepared to partner with relevant organisations to maximise the potential of clean and renewable energy while ensuring proper management of associated waste.
The National Field Coordinator, UNIDO Nigeria, Ms. Emem Umana, said the project was designed to promote small hydropower development, circular economy approaches and Nigeria’s green and just transition to net zero emissions through circular economy practices.
Umana explained that the National Policy on OGREE Waste Management had been developed and validated and was currently undergoing the process of cabinet approval for effective adoption.
She said Anambra was among the five core states selected under the UNIDO Circular Economy Project, which seeks to improve the management of used off-grid renewable energy equipment and plastics through circular economy practices aimed at mitigating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to her, the project would support and strengthen the policy and regulatory framework for promoting circular economy principles and practices through the development of relevant policy instruments at both the federal and targeted state levels.
The two-day workshop is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to identify key priorities, develop implementation strategies and establish guidelines for the sustainable management of waste generated from used off-grid renewable energy equipment in Anambra State.
