Bridging the Nigeria Energy Divide with Alternative Energy Option

Abuja- Nigeria -- The First Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo was well attended by companies from 16 Countries including US, UK, China, India, Iran, South Africa,Denmark, Australia, Germany, Lebanon, Kenya, and Uganda. NAEE 2011 featured world leading manufacturers like Schneider Electric, Simba Group, D.light, LightingAfrica, Suntech, Pax South Africa, Dasol, Solarlec, Greenage Africa and stakeholders including the World Bank, Energy Commission of Nigeria, IFC, Ministry of Environment, National Electric Regulatory Commission, African Development Bank, PHCN, Council of Renewable Energy of Nigeria, Academia and Researchers  from Universities met in Abuja to discuss  the way forward on increasing power supply in Nigeria.

Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo is a key milestone to the Goodluck Jonathan Administration's roadmap for Power in response to the call by the government and private sector on the need to look for alternative sources of power to tackle the energy problems at the grassroots. The aim of the Expo was to create a platform to showcase sustainable, safe, affordable and alternative modern off-grid power sources to the country. Nigeria is one of the nine countries that Exim Bank has identified as offering US companies good opportunities for sales and it is on this basis that analysts have welcomed the initiative as a "no strings attached", low interest financing option to the benefit of Nigerian power sector. It is indeed a fine high point for the power sector in line with President Goodluck’s roadmap for power- Mr. Chris Edeh, Business Development Director EMEA of Mathesis Consulting said in Abuja. The next expo will take place on the 17^th to 19 of September 2012.

The NAEE 2011 showcased new products and technologies that would improve lives by extending the working hours of small businesses and also give children a chance to study longer in the evening in a safe and smoke-free environment as well as reduce in-door air pollution.  Stakeholders argued that would make the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) effective and make its management to be on their toes. Nigerian minister of power Barth Nnaji says there has been a significant increase in power generation and supply in the country, and predicts that Nigerians can expect much more in the near future.

5 Easy Ways to go Green at Home

Being green is actually easier than one may think. You don't have to have a high-tech house to be eco-friendly. An environmentally responsible lifestyle doesn't need to be so difficult or expensive. Just keep these 5 tips in mind always and you'll find out that you are on to becoming a green ambassador.

  

1.     Use Energy Efficient Bulbs

Saving energy is not only good for the environment but also your pocket. The new breeds of modern light bulbs typically use about 80% less electricity than normal bulbs. Although, they cost a bit more, they last about 15 times longer. So do the math!

2.     Switch your Light Bulbs

Always switch off lights when they are not in use. It makes sense to switch them off when you leave a room, even if it’s for a few minutes. Did I hear you ask “why?”?? OK, I’ll try to make this as simple as possible: A normal bulb uses up 60 watts of power in one hour. This implies that if you switch off your light bulb for one hour everyday, you’ll end up saving 21900 watts of energy in 1 year. This means more saving in your energy consumptions (and bills!!!).

3.     Use Multiple Power Stripes

With the use of power stripes, multiple devices can be plugged into one electrical socket. Rather than having to unplug several gadgets, you will only need to unplug one point. This is an obvious convenient way to control the use of energy.

4.     Save Water

Save water, save energy. Did you know that much of your water use at home contributes to your energy bills? Moving water from storage through pipes to your taps takes a lot of energy especially when it’s heated up. So invariably, using less water can save energy. You can also make a huge difference at home by using water efficient appliances, reduced-capacity baths, lower flow taps and hose trigger control.

5.     Reduce Junk Mails

Junk mail is a pest. It’s an environmentally damaging and rude way of advertising and one that’s surprisingly difficult to eradicate. It isn’t impossible to get off junk mail lists. It’s definitely going to take time and effort. Remove yourself from junk mail lists at every opportunity. Each person will receive almost 560 pieces of junk mail this year, which adds up nationally to 4.5 million tons, according to the United State's Native Forest Network. About 44% of all junk mail is thrown in the trash, unopened and unread, and ends up in a landfill.

World’s Cheapest Light Bulb Made from a Plastic Bottle

A plastic bottle stuck in the roof can light up a room for over 2 years!


An extremely cheap alternative to other light source options has been introduced in Brazil and the Philippines using basic everyday materials to create light which can last for over 2 years for domestic use. This very plain and simple bright concept is bringing light to many poor people without access to electricity. The idea generates light from solar energy equivalent to a 55 watt bulb from a single plastic bottle!!


The materials needed are 1.5 litre plastic bottle, clean water, 3 table spoons of common bleach and a rubber seal. Its working principle is dumb simple: The water defracts (scatters in different directions) the individual rays of sunlight allowing it spread throughout the house instead of focusing on one point. The common bleach keeps the water pure and free from microorganisms.

OMG! Leonardo dicaprio buys a $100,000 Super "Green" Car

Superstar and environmentalist, Leonardo Dicaprio, took delivery of his $100,000 luxury plug in hybrid 2012 Fisker Karma ride and became the first celebrity to nab one. He bought the eco-friendly spectacle about 2 weeks ago but the gist is still gracing news pages worldwide. I just thought I should share so you don't miss out on this.

Solar Panels to Power Juno Spacecraft to Jupiter

By Lanre Okanlawon

History was made last Friday as the first solar-powered spacecraft was launched into space  to Jupiter using solar panels instead of radioisotope generators. NASA’s Juno is presently on its way to Jupiter where there is an ongoing quest to unlock the largest known planet’s mysteries. The $1.1 billion voyager was launched from an Air Force Station in Florida, USA . The entirely “green” spacecraft will carry the 1.5-inch figurines of the Roman god Jupiter Galileo and his wife, Juno. These were designed and constructed by LEGO to inspire and encourage young kids to explore science and technology. Juno will be making a 5-year cruise and is expected to land on Jupiter in July, 2016.

Its name, Juno, is derived from the Greek-Roman myth where god Jupiter covered himself with a large amount of clouds to conceal himself in order to hide his mischief. It was his wife, Juno, who found a way into the clouds to see his true nature. Interesting, right??? J

Another Bright Way to Save Money ...and Energy!

By `Lanre Okanlawon
The last few years has witnessed a gradual phasing out of inefficient light bulbs and the emergence of new and improved energy efficient light bulbs. This has been a worldwide trend and proven to be very worthwhile and practical as its positive impacts have been recorded globally. The gesture has been highly appreciated due to its tremendous impacts on numerous pockets, energy consumption and the environment. In other words, they can help you save money, energy and the environment..

Governments all over the world have realized the extent to which these new products of technological evolution can benefit their economy and the environment. In fact, many have taken practical steps to phase out traditional bulbs for general lighting purposes. Brazil and Venezuela initiated this in 2005. Australia, Switzerland and the European Union started the phase-out in 2009. Similarly, other countries already have future phase-out plans; Argentina, Canada and Russia in 2012 and Malaysia in 2014.  

Along the way, several myths have been shattered establishing the fact that energy saving light bulbs actually do us and the environment a lot of good. These new breeds of bulbs, by contrast, use the same efficient technology as fluorescent lights but are more compact and use far more less energy to light up an area. Voluntary initiatives have been on course in different parts of the world to phase out traditional light bulbs where there is a suitable low energy replacement. Advantages such as better quality of light, longer durability (they last 12 times longer than traditional light bulbs), more energy savings, cost effectiveness, recyclability and their brilliant aesthetic designs justify the switch.

In terms of quantifiable attributes these new class of light bulbs use up to 70% less electricity than traditional light bulbs but emit the same amount of energy. This means that you get to pay 70% less than you are currently paying for your light bulbs electricity bills if you use them. Good news, isn’t it?

But the news gets even better! Over the years, there have been tremendous improvements since energy saving light bulbs were commercially introduced, so has the way they look. As a matter of fact, there are varieties of stylish designs available to suit your aesthetic demands.

Energy saving light bulbs- these cleverly modified light sources may be rather modest, everyday objects, but there’s certainly more to them that meet the eye!

What a bright idea!!! J