Utility Week

34 | FEBRUARY 2022 | UTILITY WEEK Comment A problem shared… Drax's Erusa Adizie says diversity is important in gaining a global perspective on innovation and the energy transition. Y ou've probably seen the statistics – diversity is good. Diversity makes an organisation a winner. But what does that really mean for innovation and the global energy transition? From personal experience I have seen the benefits of diversity in that gathering people from unique backgrounds and experiences sparks fresh ideas and enhanced creativity. This is, and will be, essential given rapid advances in areas like hydrogen, energy storage, and carbon capture, usage and storage. However, the statistics show that just 7% of people working in UK energy are ethnic minority employees. One thing that we can agree on is that everyone needs to be involved in the energy transition journey that lies ahead, especially if we want to move at the pace required. But more than that, we need people who can bring their own experiences to the table for the formula- tion of strong, game-changing ideas. Having watched COP26 footage and read up on the surrounding discourse, one of my conclusions is that ambitious targets will be reached only by listening and learning. Unique perspectives and life experiences mean that not all people share the same information and perspec- tive. For example, spending my early years in Nigeria and growing up in the UK has given me an objective view of the global energy challenge. Nigeria is a country of huge potential, an amazing culture and a strong work ethic, but it is also a country that ranks 171 out of 190 nations in terms of access to electricity according to the World Bank. Most of my family live in the east of the country and visits to Nigeria were always fun, rewarding and eye-opening because the energy landscape is a lot different from that within the UK. To experience Nigeria is to realise that most homes use fossil fuel-powered generators because the power grid can be unstable. Nigeria has large oil, gas, hydro and solar resources and the potential to generate 12.5GW of electric power from existing plants. On most days, however, it is only able to deliver around 4GW – insuffi- cient for a country of more than 195 million people. Nigerians understand the value of a reliable power grid deeply, but let's not forget that the need for reli- able power is the same the world over – from Europe to Africa. How we ensure that this is delivered in the most efficient way is knowledge that can be transferred from country to country, individual to individual. In Nigeria, the existing power infrastructure arrange- ments are being reviewed as under the current cen- tralised grid system electricity is generated by 25 large power generation plants. Yet globally the value of a decentralised system that leverages local energy sources – biogas, solar, wind, and hydropower – in address- ing energy deficits in individual communities is being recognised. Innovation and knowledge sharing has been essen- tial for Nigeria's local mini-grid developers in accessing finance, developing effective business models, and man- aging mini-grid systems to build the modern, resilient and transformative microgrid structures of the future. In no way is it a surprise that there is the same appetite in Nigeria as in all countries for renewables to be part of the energy mix and the government and organisations are pushing forward with this. In December 2020, the Nigerian government launched the Solar Power Naija programme, a project aiming to provide solar powered electricity to 25 million Nigerians who were not previously connected to the grid. First-of-a-kind projects such as those implement- ing solutions in rural locations have encouraged further investment in solar hybrid mini-grids that will have last- ing impacts on communities. Sharing replicable technology One of my most treasured memories was the sense of community gained when cooking outside with my late grandmother in Nigeria. It was a formative experience and one that can be learnt from, though perhaps not encouraged now. The fuel for cooking was a combina- tion of firewood and kerosene – known to be dangerous and causing in the region of 79,000 deaths annually. The global potential of biofuels has been widely shared, with many locations boasting unique usage hab- its and projects. Biofuels could ensure clean cooking for millions of Nigerians. However, the need for increased availability and production is not unique to Nigeria but is essential for low income families – for example. The use of cellulosic ethanol as a cooking fuel is cleaner and more sustainable – a fact promoted through the work of inspiring organisations and projects such as Rural Women Energy Security and the Clean Cooking Alliance. I've been encouraged seeing the outcome of projects focused on innovative technologies such as improved cookstoves in rural areas as their usage can be life- changing. These technologies are oŸen replicable and can be used in other global locations to similar effect as they fall within the broader aim of being clean, safe and ultimately reducing greenhouse emissions. Erusa Adizie, innovation engineer, Drax Group, and founder of Power to Diversity To read the full version of Erusa's column, visit utilityweek.co.uk/uw-innovate "Unique perspectives and life experiences mean that not all people share the same information."

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