Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Nigeria

  • From Dangote to AirPlantTM One: Factories That Change the World

    The opening of AirPlantTM One, a significant facility in the energy transition, showcases the conversion of captured carbon dioxide, water, and renewable energy into clean industrial fuels, marking a step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry. This project, along with the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, highlights the shift towards a lower-carbon future and the potential for transforming markets through bold infrastructure projects. AirPlant One, developed by Twelve, emphasizes the importance of physical infrastructure in driving lasting economic change and reshaping industries, demonstrating the deployment of laboratory-developed technologies at commercial scale in the pursuit of climate solutions. The journalist reflects on the ambition and transformational impact of such projects, emphasizing the transition from idea to reality in the ongoing efforts towards industrial decarbonization.

    https://www.twelve.co/post/from-dangote-to-airplant-one-factories-that-change-the-world

  • Climate adaptation helps African nations tackle rising conflict over resources

    The Ugbaad project in Somalia, funded by the UN's Green Climate Fund, aims to boost resilience through climate-smart crops and water infrastructure. Climate change exacerbates tensions in fragile states, prompting a call for collective action at COP28 to integrate peacebuilding with adaptation plans. The NAP Global Network is aiding conflict-affected countries like Nigeria in strengthening adaptation planning and resilience. Nigeria is integrating peacebuilding into its NAP to address climate challenges, seeking financing from various sources. Emphasizing domestic resources and private-sector involvement is crucial to ensure NAPs lead to tangible climate actions.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/12/climate-adaptation-helps-african-nations-tackle-rising-conflict-over-resources/

  • Solar streetlights with AI could solve data center energy demand

    ConFlow's iLamps are innovative streetlamp units equipped with solar panels, batteries, and a processing chip to create a virtual power plant network. The company plans to deploy half a million units in countries like Nigeria, the UK, and the US, offering AI power, communication, and data processing services. Local authorities pay for the compute-per-hour and power provided by the iLamps, generating revenue for ConFlow and offering benefits like carbon credits. Additionally, the lamps offer various intelligence services based on user requirements, such as weather data and sports performance analysis. Fitzpatrick's project involving iLamps with cameras and panic buttons adds a surveillance aspect to the service, which he defends as governments show interest in purchasing.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/04/solar-streetlights-with-ai-nvidia-chips-could-solve-data-center-energy-demand-green-utilities-conflow-power-group/

  • The Methane Opportunity Is Now

    Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, continue to rise despite its short lifespan in the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to global warming. However, there is hope in reducing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas industry, with existing technology and no net cost to emitters. Countries like Canada, Nigeria, and Colombia are making progress in curbing methane emissions, which could lead to health and economic benefits while also being a key step towards achieving net zero emissions. Additionally, advancements in geothermal energy and bipartisan efforts to reinstate clean energy tax credits signal a potential shift towards sustainable practices and combating climate change on a larger scale.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/the-methane-opportunity-is-now/

  • IFC, Norfund back 315 solar hybrid minigrids in Nigeria

    The International Finance Corporation and Norfund are providing $83.2 million in financing to develop 315 solar hybrid minigrid sites in Nigeria, aiming to facilitate over 494,000 new electricity connections. This initiative will expand access to reliable electricity, reduce energy costs, strengthen local economies, and enable income generating activities. The Africa Solar Industry Association has identified over 4.8 GW of operational solar in Nigeria, with 115 MW from solar minigrids. IFC also plans to grant Virtuitis $16 million to build and operate 97 solar minigrids, connecting over 140,000 off-grid consumers by 2027.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/04/ifc-norfund-back-315-solar-hybrid-minigrids-in-nigeria/

  • Nigerians bet on solar power as global oil crisis hits wallets

    Africa, particularly Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in solar power installations as a response to soaring fuel prices and unreliable power supplies. The conflict in the Middle East has further accelerated the adoption of solar energy, with installations in Africa increasing by 54% in 2025. Businesses and consumers are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of transitioning to solar power, with calls for governments to adopt binding targets to phase out fossil fuels and invest in clean energy for a stable future. Lower-cost solar products are now available, making solar power a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria and across the continent.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/01/nigerians-bet-on-solar-as-global-oil-shock-hits-wallets-and-power-supplies/

  • China rolling into U.S. backyard

    Canada is making significant strides in the clean energy transition by focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), with a goal for EVs to make up 90 percent of new car sales by 2040. Africa is experiencing a surge in solar growth, led by countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria. The industry is shifting towards supplier-led climate solutions, with India committing $2.4 billion to scale carbon capture solutions. A breakthrough in sodium-sulfur battery technology has made energy storage cheaper and easier to scale, while investment in next-generation geothermal energy has surpassed $2 billion. Vietnam has launched a $102 million climate finance initiative to protect forests and support climate-smart livelihoods.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/china-rolling-into-u-s-backyard/

  • Nigerian Businesses, RMI, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Collaborate to Empower Women and Youth Through Renewable Technology

    The Energising Women & Youth in Agri-Food Systems Programme (EWAS) in Nigeria, a collaboration between local businesses, RMI, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, aims to empower women and youth through solar-powered technology in the agricultural sector. By providing affordable finance, training, and commercial opportunities, the program seeks to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve incomes for smallholder farmers. With women and youth making up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and many communities lacking access to reliable power, solar-powered productive use of energy (PUE) technologies offer a pathway to inclusive growth and economic development. The initiative builds on the success of the Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP) and will support projects led by Nigerian enterprises deploying PUE solutions in rural and peri-urban communities. A total of 300 solar-powered refrigeration units with lithium-ion batteries are being integrated in Nigeria to help women and youth preserve perishable goods and stabilize income, while also democratizing access to solar energy and improving product quality and market competitiveness for women agriculture entrepreneurs. The EWAS project, part of a broader three-year program led by the Global Energy Alliance and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to create dignified jobs, improve livelihoods, and reduce emissions in Nigeria's agriculture sector, ultimately working towards providing affordable, reliable, clean electricity to improve lives and accelerate green economic opportunities. Through partnerships and community engagement, the initiative aims to reach 1 billion people with clean electricity, prevent 4 billion tons of carbon emissions, and create or improve 150 million jobs, contributing to sustainable development and climate solutions in Nigeria.

    https://rmi.org/press-release/ewas-initiative-to-empower-women-and-youth-through-renewable-technology/

  • Colombia aims to launch fossil fuel transition platform at first global conference

    Colombia is hosting a global conference to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, bringing together countries committed to phasing out coal, oil, and gas. The event aims to create a platform for discussions on legal, economic, and social pathways for a just transition, gaining support from 24 countries, including major fossil fuel producers. The initiative is seen as a necessary complement to the UN climate regime, focusing on developing reports and scientific inputs to support countries in moving towards a fossil fuel-free future. The conference will emphasize justice and aim to create a coalition of governments, institutions, businesses, and philanthropies committed to ending the fossil fuel era, with a practical, supportive, and healing approach. Developing countries like Namibia, Guyana, and Nigeria are seeking international support to envision their own energy transitions.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/01/22/colombia-aims-to-launch-fossil-fuel-transition-platform-at-first-global-conference/

  • Earth blocks keep homes cool while cutting emissions in Kenya’s drylands

    In Laikipia County, Kenya, the use of compressed earth blocks in housing construction is highlighted as a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative and the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing are aiming to decarbonize the industry and promote sustainable building practices. The International Coalition for Building Climate Resilience (ICBC) emphasizes the importance of affordable, resource-efficient, low-carbon housing in achieving climate goals and sustainable development. This traditional building approach is gaining renewed attention in low-income communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat. Additionally, buildings in West Africa, like the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, are being constructed using eco-friendly methods such as compressed earth blocks and rammed earth architecture, offering low-cost and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the region.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/12/24/earth-blocks-keep-homes-cool-while-cutting-emissions-in-kenyas-drylands/