By Osordi Ayomide
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has underscored the importance of integrating renewable energy with emerging technologies.
Speaking at the 18th convocation of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Osogbo, the REA boss delivered a lecture identifying electricity as a critical global challenge, noting that millions still lack reliable power despite recent technological progress.
Highlighting platforms like ChatGPT, the MD noted that digital technologies and data centers consume massive amounts of electricity to process queries. Projections suggest the United States will require between 4.5 and 5.0 petawatts of electricity to support its expanding AI infrastructure, with India expected to see similar growth in demand.
He noted that the integration of renewable energy with emerging technologies will be vital for boosting industrial productivity and driving global sustainable development.
The global energy landscape is currently witnessing a gradual improvement in electricity access, largely driven by the adoption of renewable technologies that continue to lower generation costs.
Global renewable energy contributions have risen from 16.7 percent to 18.7 percent, with investment growing from $12.3 billion to $15.4 billion.
This trend reflects a broader international shift by both governments and industries toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources to expand efficiency.
Despite these gains, the REA MD highlighted persistent structural gaps within power infrastructure, particularly in the value chain imbalance.
He revealed that while generation capacity has grown to approximately 13,000 megawatts, transmission capacity remains at 10,100 megawatts and distribution at only 5,100 megawatts.
He emphasized that there must be strict alignment across these three sectors to optimize delivery, noting that infrastructure coordination is essential for a stable power supply in developing economies like Nigeria.
The lecture also drew attention to the surging energy demands created by advancements in artificial intelligence and data processing.