Experts urge FG to explore geothermal resources for development

AS the search continues for a lasting solution to the energy crisis in the country which has negatively affected power generation, the Federal government has been called upon to as a matter of urgency explore the vast geothermal resources found in many parts of the country for electricity generation and other purposes in its quest for rapid socio-economic development.

The call was made by experts at a three-day International Workshop on Geothermal Exploration in Nigeria holding at the Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi with the theme: ‘Geothermal Energy-International Growth and Nigeria’s Opportunities’ jointly organised by the National Center for Petroleum Research and Development (NCPR), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU).

An expert from the United Nation University Geothermal Training Programme, Ludvick Georgsson in a presentation said that Africa is lagging behind in the utilisation of Geothermal resources despite its abundance and entails in the field.

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He advised that as the world demand for clean renewable energy grows, African countries should explore and utilise their resources to play a greater role in energy security and help in reducing greenhouse gases emissions which is aggravating climate change.

In his opening address, the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu said that Nigeria needs to utilise it’s geothermal resources as the world moves towards new technologies to meet its energy needs.

“These include the thermal springs around Awe-Keana in Nassarawa state, the hot/warm springs in Bauchi, Ekiti, Adamawa and Plateau states. Also, the Biu Plateau has volcanic points representing a shallow depth to the mantle. This can provide an enormous amount of energy for generation of electricity”, he said.

The Minister added that, “We want to contribute to the worldwide energy transformation that we all must strive for, a transformation that entails an ever greater reliance on clean and green resources”.

In his remarks, the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Professor Eli Jiddere Bala who was represented by Dr Mika’il Zakari Yau said that, part of the mandate of the commission is to provide a strategic plan and coordination of National policies in the field of energy to provide a sustainable energy development in Nigeria.

“By these mandates, the commission is legally positioned to promote not only Geothermal Energy, but all other renewable energy resources available for sustainable energy development in the country,” he said.

Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar commended the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and other stakeholders for their efforts to explore Geo-Thermal resources in the country.

” Your tireless efforts to put Nigeria and Bauchi State in particular on the global map of active geothermal exploration countries is highly commendable,” he said.

In his address, Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Saminu Abdulrahman Ibrahim who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor M. A Abdulaziz said that, the university has been engaged in various researches to develop reliable energy sources.

According to him, ATBU will always collaborate with relevant professional bodies and government agencies in the field of research in order to contribute to the development of the country.