Strategic Flexibility And Adaptation

I recently had the opportunity to share my perspectives on Nigeria’s evolving power market on CNBC Africa and why I genuinely believe we are at an inflection point even though readiness at the various subnational governments remains uneven. While some states are already moving decisively to establish local electricity markets, others are still grappling with institutional capacity, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure gaps. Liquidity still remains the more pertinent constraint across the sector, yet the decentralisation also opens new opportunities. States can now engage more closely with utilities and offtakers, structure local investment vehicles, and design electricity strategies around their own comparative advantages i.e. hydro, solar, or gas, which have varying risk and cost profiles. Stronger state-level oversight, better data sharing, and closer coordination between regulators could significantly improve outcomes. The key to success is the alignment of the priorities and regulations of the Federal and subnational authorities. Recent initiative by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to inaugurate a forum for the regulators across states and the Federal government is a step in the right direction in line with the Electricity Act (EA) 2023. As Nigeria advances its electricity market reforms, the broader challenge will not simply be expanding generation capacity, but building a resilient, investable and commercially sustainable energy ecosystem capable of underpinning industrialisation, economic competitiveness and long-term energy security. The countries that will lead the next phase of African growth will be those that successfully align policy, capital and infrastructure execution and Nigeria has the scale, resources and market depth to be one of them. See ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eFNfDdnY for full interview #PwC #JustTransition #AfricaEnergy #EnergySecurity

Africa’s energy transition will not look like Europe’s. And it shouldn’t. Working on renewable energy projects in Zambia has shown me that context matters , from grid behavior to climate conditions, logistics, and local capacity. What works in one market doesn’t always translate directly to another. The challenge and the opportunity is adapting solutions to local realities without compromising quality or impact. Clean energy in Africa will be built by people who understand the ground they’re standing on, supported by global collaboration that respects local knowledge. This is the work that excites me most. Africa Private Equity News Team African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) AFSIA (Africa Solar Industry Association) SolarQuarter Africa #RenewableEnergy #bluesunsolarzambia #womeninrenewableenergy #CleanEnergyFuture #weareafrican.

We are pleased to publicly release our new report, a Local Energy strategy for Nova Scotia. High-cost, imported energy is Nova Scotia’s economic anchor that keeps people poor and makes the province uncompetitive. Nova Scotia has the lowest GDP per capita in North America. It also has the worst trade balance of any province, importing more than double the amount of goods it exports. Almost 75% of the province’s decarbonization can be attributed to deindustrialization, with the remaining 25% consisting of imported electricity for heat pumps. Over $2 B per year leaves the province to pay for imported electricity, fuels for electricity, and heating fuels. This is a massive cash drain on the economy. The Local Energy strategy would see energy become a driver of growth and long-term operating jobs, resulting in energy becoming an annual economic benefit of over $700 M. This means a near $3 B difference between business-as-usual and an energy system focused on maximizing benefits for Nova Scotians. This is more than the province spends on education. The key? Biomass combined heat and power plants, using local low-grade wood resources, and community-wide district heating systems. 

Energy transition or Energy addition? In today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, the strategies that countries and regions adopt can significantly impact their economic and environmental futures. For countries (mostly developed countries) with stagnant energy growth and limited hydrocarbon resources, a transition away from hydrocarbons is not just an option but a necessity. Embracing renewable energy sources such as nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can provide sustainable and reliable energy, reducing dependency on imports and mitigating environmental impact. Conversely, for regions (mostly developing countries) experiencing an increase in energy demand, an energy addition approach is more suitable. This strategy involves diversifying the energy supply mix while maintaining and optimizing existing hydrocarbon resources. It is a pragmatic approach that ensures energy security and meets the growing demand without abrupt shifts that could destabilize the economy. Moreover, these regions should consider investing in a hydrocarbon sovereign fund. This fund can be instrumental in supporting research and development, as well as building human resource capacities. Such investments are critical for facing future challenges, which are expected to be more severe than current ones. By fostering innovation and enhancing skills, countries can prepare for a more complex energy future. A robust and agile energy mix is essential for regions with increasing energy demands. This mix should include a balanced combination of hydrocarbons and renewables, ensuring reliability, sustainability, and resilience. By strategically planning and investing in diverse energy sources and technologies, countries can build a more secure and adaptable energy future. The path forward depends on regional energy dynamics. While a transition is imperative for areas with limited hydrocarbon resources, an addition strategy that includes diversification and investment in future capabilities is wise for regions with growing energy needs. Both approaches require thoughtful planning and commitment to sustainable development, ensuring energy security and resilience for the future.

Too often, corporations approach emerging markets with a one-size-fits-all mindset. They believe what worked at home will automatically succeed elsewhere. But that's not how the cookie crumbles. 🍪🌍 The reality? Emerging markets aren't just untapped extensions of home markets. They're vibrant ecosystems with innovation speeds that often surpass mature markets.   At Larive International, we've witnessed the profound impact of localized innovation on market expansion. Consider these examples: Sustainable Aquaculture in Indonesia 🐟: Through the FishTechIndonesia partnership, we collaborated with local companies to develop sustainable aquaculture systems. By integrating innovative practices such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), we have helped to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This not only supports local food security but also positions Indonesia as a leader in sustainable fish farming.   Agricultural Innovation in Kenya 🌾 In Kenya, our involvement across the animal feed sector has been instrumental in driving sector growth. By focusing on locally adapted solutions, we help clients of professional feed mills to reduce costs, improve yields and enhance the sustainability of their operations. And this includes blending proven solutions, like probiotics of TipTopp Aquaculture, to fit with the local form of farming across East Africa (see image).   Renewable Energy in Nigeria ☀️ In Nigeria, foreign investors are challenged with the lack of a reliable grit, to power their (future operations). To help reduce this critical risk, we introduce solar energy solutions in virtually every business plan. We also foster local innovation by training local technicians and entrepreneurs to maintain and expand these systems, and assure they can be used for mission-critical operations.   My key takeaways from these: Innovation in emerging markets isn't about copying solutions. It's about co-creating value in the local context and leveraging each market's unique strengths. When we approach market expansion with a focus on innovation, we're not just entering a market – we're helping to create it.   The success of market expansion lies in this collaborative, innovative approach. It's about leveraging the creativity and resilience found across emerging markets to drive growth, both for businesses and the societies they serve.   What's your experience with innovation in emerging markets? Share your thoughts👇 #EmergingMarkets #Innovation #GlobalBusiness

Community Energy investment to build Community Wealth and Power With the UK Government committing £1 Billion of investment, representing the biggest ever public investment into community energy towards cutting energy bills and creating revenue for communities. Its integral that fit-for-purpose solutions tailored to the needs of People & Place are delivered. Simply air-dropping low carbon technologies (LCTs) into communities will not derive lasting value or decarbonisation. Its vital in terms of the UK context that communities engage with: - Their DSO's, exploring opportunities for demand response contracts. - Build a clear understanding of their current energy needs. - Prior to exploring LCTs or building fabric works, I would encourage the implementation of a robust digital architecture* which ensures optimal adaptive decision making, savings through adaption, transparent control and auditable energy usage. - Engage with independent energy system advisors, and then - Local supply chains. * Our research supported by KTP, EPSRC, HI-ACT and The Crichton Trust, delivered 20-30% cost and carbon savings within year one. And created an ability to optimal integrate LCTs, within an adaptive and scalable digital architecture. https://lnkd.in/ep9NJ8MJ Other examples of our research exploring the social-techno-economic and environmental objectives of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), include: Optimal Planning of Stand-Alone Hybrid Green Power Systems  https://lnkd.in/ev3NNbXK Cybersecurity in smart local energy systems: requirements, challenges, and standards https://lnkd.in/ehWa6Dhy A multi-sectoral approach to modelling community energy demand of the built environment https://lnkd.in/eam3dSbr Fair allocation of energy in peer-to-community local energy markets https://lnkd.in/eAv_5DuR Impact of Virtual Power Plants on grid stability and renewable energy integration in smart cities using IoT https://lnkd.in/dfwXkFGb James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy, HI-ACT, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, National Energy Action (NEA), Community Energy Scotland, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Thank you for the incredible engagement on my last post about Nigeria’s National Content Development (NCD) work. Many of your comments and suggestions directly shaped the next phase of the analysis, especially as we explored how Nigeria can localize key renewable-energy components at scale. Over the last few months, I conducted a detailed market assessment that revealed a $296 billion opportunity for localizing power-sector components across transmission, distribution, and renewable energy systems. Using a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) that assessed manufacturing readiness, cost advantage, and barriers to entry, we grouped these components into practical tiers that help identify what Nigeria can localize now, next, and in the long term. We shared the results of this analysis with industry stakeholders during a workshop on 12 November 2025, generating strong industry alignment on where Nigeria can localize now and where long-term investments are needed. The NCD Strategy is anchored on six core pillars: • Policy & Governance • Regulations & Standards • Finance & Investment • Technology & Industrial Development • People & Skills • Monitoring & Evaluation Some of the strategy’s key highlights include: ✓ A structured four-level governance model designed to streamline coordination across agencies and industry. ✓ A dedicated Local Content Development Fund to unlock financing for research, development, and domestic manufacturing. ✓ Positioning solar as the flagship technology for early localization, enabling quick wins and targeted support. ✓ A phased 10-year roadmap that provides clear milestones for scaling Nigerian participation across the value chain. For those interested in the full analysis, the report is available here: https://lnkd.in/dt5bkZYu Thank you to Energy Market And Rates Consultants Limited (EMRC Nigeria) and Office of the Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure for this opportunity.

Policy needs more than flexibility targets; it needs tools that show what consumer-led flexibility (#CLF) looks like on the ground. In our new paper, Saeed Adelipour and I present a hyperlocal framework for citizen-led local energy systems that evaluates #fairness, #selfsufficiency, #resilience, and cost efficiency together. The paper develops a hyperlocal optimisation and assessment framework for local energy communities, with a focus on fairness, resilience, self-sufficiency, and cost efficiency. It also introduces a 🧬genome-style community model to represent differences in assets, flexibility, and participation readiness across households. This is highly relevant to #CleanPower2030 and the #CleanFlexibilityRoadmap. If the UK wants consumer-led flexibility to scale, policy must be able to test not only capacity growth, but also participation readiness, tariff design, fair access, local trading, and whether communities actually benefit. Our proposed Flexibility-and-Fairness (#FnF) framework helps do exactly that. It can support policy development by testing: 👉 how different households participate in local energy systems; 👉 how incentives and pricing affect fairness and uptake; 👉 how EVs, batteries, local trading, and demand response improve self-sufficiency and resilience; 👉 which communities may need targeted support, rather than one-size-fits-all policy assumptions. This is the kind of tool that can help connect national flexibility ambition with local implementation reality. Preprint of the paper is on SSRN: https://lnkd.in/eAx3i5Z5 I would welcome views from colleagues working on flexibility policy, local energy markets, consumer protection, and just transition. #CleanPower2030 #Flexibility #EnergyPolicy #LocalEnergy #JustTransition DriVe2X | Salford Business School | The University of Salford #InnovatingToEnrichLives

Solar energy in Tanzania is not just a renewable energy opportunity. It is a strategic business opening for Indian companies that understand infrastructure, scale, affordability and emerging-market execution. Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most promising energy markets. The country has strong solar irradiation, growing electricity demand, expanding rural electrification needs, and a rising requirement for reliable power across agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, water systems and small industries. The opportunity is not limited to large solar farms. The real gap is much wider: Utility-scale solar plants to support national power demand Rooftop solar for factories, hotels, warehouses and institutions Solar irrigation and water pumping for agriculture Mini-grid and off-grid systems for rural communities Battery storage solutions for reliability Local assembly, distribution, EPC, maintenance and after-sales service For Indian businesses, this is where the advantage becomes clear. India has already built one of the world’s most competitive solar ecosystems — from EPC execution and solar modules to inverters, batteries, pumps and affordable engineering talent. The same cost-efficiency and project delivery strength can be extremely valuable in Tanzania. But the entry should not be random. A strategic approach would be: 1. Identify high-demand sectors first — agriculture, commercial buildings, hotels, industries, mining zones and water supply projects. 2. Partner locally with credible Tanzanian companies, developers, land owners or institutions. 3. Start with pilot projects — rooftop solar, solar pumps, C&I power systems or community mini-grids — before scaling into larger IPP or utility-scale projects. 4. Build local presence for installation, service, maintenance and training. In Africa, after-sales trust is often as important as the product itself. 5. Explore financing models such as lease-to-own, pay-as-you-save, PPA models and donor/development finance-supported projects. 6. Use Tanzania as a regional base. With access to East African markets, a well-positioned solar company can grow beyond one country. The biggest opportunity is not merely selling solar panels. It is building an energy solutions business. Tanzania needs reliable, affordable and scalable power. Indian companies have the technology, cost structure and execution experience to help fill that gap. The companies that enter early, build local partnerships, understand regulation and focus on long-term service will not just participate in the market — they can become market leaders. For Indian solar, EPC, battery, inverter, pump, energy-tech and infrastructure companies looking at East Africa, Tanzania deserves serious attention. Businesses interested in exploring solar opportunities, partnerships or project development in Tanzania can connect with me. . . . . . . . . #solar #solarpower #renewableenergy #solarplants #Tanzania #India #indiaafrica