Between November 30 and December 12, Dubai hosted COP28, uniting delegates from nearly 200 countries in a collective commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Among the four pivotal agreements forged during the summit was the commitment to fast-track an equitable energy transition, aiming to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. Nigeria, standing among 130 nations, pledged to end gas flaring and reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 in alignment with this ambitious goal.
The crux of achieving this transition lies in leveraging technology and adopting environmentally friendly practices, with a paramount emphasis on clean and renewable energy. Electric Vehicles (EVs) stand out as a crucial element in this paradigm shift.
However, the transition faces challenges from profit-driven interests that question the viability of EVs, employing dubious tactics to undermine the global pursuit of clean energy. While trans-national oil and automobile companies are divesting from fossil fuels, some businesses remain entrenched in profit-centric strategies, indifferent to the environmental consequences.
The adoption of EVs is gaining momentum, constituting 15% of the automotive market in 2022, with a projected increase to 23% by 2025. Major automobile manufacturers, including VW, BMW, Volvo, Toyota, and Daimler, are fully embracing EV production, planning to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030-2035. Despite this global shift, Africa, plagued by energy crises and infrastructure deficiencies, remains unprepared for the EV revolution, with only isolated instances in South Africa and Kenya.
While EV affordability and accessibility are rising in some European countries, Nigeria and other African nations face a conundrum. The infrastructural gap hinders them from reaping the benefits of the EV revolution, yet they risk economic setbacks as the world shifts away from oil-based economies.
The EV debate is nuanced, with valid concerns about viability and sustainability. However, the consensus remains: the civilized world is steadfast in its commitment to EVs. Overcoming challenges, particularly in enhancing battery strength and charging speed, is inevitable as the global community strives towards a sustainable, clean energy future. The urgency for Nigeria and other nations to devise innovative solutions becomes paramount, navigating a future where clean energy is not just an option but a necessity.
