Through conversations with partners, CLASP is exploring the implications of the novel coronavirus for the clean energy access sector. We hope that you enjoy this candid dialogue with the experts on the challenges and opportunities that face the sector right now.

In the second conversation of the podcast series Conversations with CLASP, Ruth Kimani from our East Africa Office sits down virtually with Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu. Nnaemeka is the CEO of ColdHubs, a Nigeria-based company specializing in solar-powered cold storage solutions and Winner of the Global LEAP Awards Off-Grid Cold Chain Challenge.

“The role of clean energy and solar cooling transverses between food and health in this pandemic. If people do not have anything to eat, the pandemic becomes much more dangerous. People are going to take to the streets demanding food. We must deploy clean energy solutions quickly for basic needs like food, otherwise we are going to create both a health and a political situation.”

The interview covers:

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria’s agriculture sector
• Recommendations for private and public sector preparedness in the face of a pandemic
• Specific opportunities for the off-grid solar sector to bolster pandemic response and recovery

Nnaemeka brings extensive experience in agriculture and technology. Since the age of 21, he has founded and worked in different agricultural education, environmental, and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to winning the Off-Grid Cold Chain Challenge, he is an Ashoka Fellow, Future Awards Nigeria’s Young Person of the Year, Fast Company USA 100 Most Creative in Business, Laureate of Africa Food Prize, among other international and local recognitions.

As the world copes with the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of appliances in mitigating its impacts, particularly in vulnerable off-grid communities, is becoming increasingly evident. There is now an opportunity increase food production and reduce waste for the world’s most vulnerable through improved access energy-efficient, solar-powered cooling solutions like ColdHubs.

The podcast can also be accessed on Spotify.