Nigeria - The International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC-AFRICA)

Background:
The idea of IREC arose, firstly out of a desire to find alternative solutions for the power problem in Nigeria, especially the 80m or so rural dwellers in Nigeria who have no hope for electricity in this generation at the rate of our current power development. Secondly, to amplify and educate on the issues of climate change, global warming, carbon emissions, and environmental damage, and examine mitigation strategies. Thirdly, having seen that Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) are available and abundant in Nigeria, there is the need to create opportunities for private-public sector partnerships to make the deployment and harnessing of these RETs a reality. Fourthly, to create opportunities for various stakeholders in the RE sector to cooperate in the commercial development of RETs in Nigeria. Fifthly, to encourage and stimulate the development of the RE industry in Africa as a whole.

The Vision of IREC, Africa is to promote Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) as a viable energy alternative for the rapid development of Africa and as a climate change mitigation strategy.

The Mission of IREC is to develop and execute programs and events that will encourage cooperation between the major stakeholders in RE, educate, enlighten and inform the public on climate change and global warming, implement capacity building programs for the industry, create an environment for the commercialization and penetration of the RETs in the country, and speed up the electrification of rural areas in Nigeria.

IREC is an international conference and exhibition. We are aware of the need for technology and know-how from other countries. However, it is also focused on the peculiar needs and challenges of Africa.

The theme of IREC 2008 is Exploiting Renewable Energy Opportunities in Africa. Sub-themes include:
- A Renewable Energy Finance and Investment Forum (Finance and R.E opportunities in Renewable Energy)
- R.E for Sustainable Building
- Converting Waste to Wealth
- R.E for Rural Development.

Our exhibitions attracted hundreds of visitors in 2007. It promises more exhibitors and visitors this year. Sharp, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world was at the 2007 event.

IREC is not a talk shop. We are determined to make it a very practical event that will change the face of the RE Industry in Nigeria and give it a voice in the public domain. IREC will expand the scope of cooperation with all stakeholders and promote the use of RE in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We expect deals to be signed, opportunities to be explored, projects conceptualized, proposals to be exchanged, practitioners to be trained, and networking to be done. We urge you to take advantage of every opportunity available at this year’s event.