The inauguration ceremony was held at Arnergy office on February 7, 2024, at Ilupeju, Lagos.
According to a statement, the Solar Marketplace initiative was a key component of the Dutch Government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy adoption and achieving sustainable trade and development in Nigeria.
It noted that the advisory board would play a central role in guiding the strategic direction and implementation of the solar marketplace initiative.
It explained that the Marketplace is expected to act as a trusted platform that would connect and facilitate business, trade, and investment in the Nigerian solar sector.
Against this backdrop, the Consulate of the Netherlands said it was delighted to announce the official inauguration of the Solar Marketplace Advisory Board.
The statement described the move as a pivotal step forward in its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, said, “This inauguration of the Solar Marketplace Advisory Board marks a significant moment in our shared journey towards scaling renewable energy opportunities in Nigeria.
“By bringing together top minds from the renewable energy sector in Nigeria, we aim to accelerate the adoption of solar technologies, foster innovation, and create a tangible impact on Nigeria’s energy landscape.”
In his remarks, the Programme Lead of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority renewable energy platform and a member of the new advisory board, Yusuf Umar, expressed concern about the fragmentation in Nigeria’s energy sector.
On his part, the founder of Arnergy and a member of the advisory board, Femi Adeyemo, highlighted the imperative for Nigerian businesses to shift away from diesel, citing the challenges associated with other energy sources.
Adeyemo underscored the urgency of promoting investments in renewable energy to ensure sustainable operations.
The members of the solar marketplace advisory board are Edwin van Veenhuizeen from Invest International, Farouk Bello, who works as a manager at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and Ayo Ademilua, who serves as the president of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria.
Others include Emeka Oragunye affiliated with Sustainable Energy for All, Michael Ivenso representing the National Council on Climate Change, and Olabanjo Alimi from Sterling Bank.
