In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to provide stable, affordable, and high-quality electricity to Nigerian businesses and households, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 300KWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) pilot project in Kainji, Niger State. This initiative is a significant step in improving the country’s power generation capacity while aligning with the administration’s broader goals for energy sector reform.
During the commissioning of the project, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that the new solar PV installation would not only increase Nigeria’s energy generation but also help reduce electricity costs. Additionally, it will encourage greater cooperation between the primary concessionaire, Mainstream Energy Solutions, and its Chinese partner, HEDC, within the renewable energy space.
The solar project includes a 675KWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is crucial to enhancing the 1G3 and 1G4 units as part of the broader rehabilitation efforts at Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). The installation of this renewable energy technology reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to meeting the energy needs of the country and advancing President Tinubu’s agenda of delivering reliable power to Nigerians.
Strengthening Power Infrastructure and Ensuring Security
Adelabu highlighted that efforts are in full swing to meet power demand through improvements in both distribution and transmission infrastructure. A key focus is reducing technical and commercial losses and closing the metering gap. The government is also working to address challenges such as power theft, vandalism, and infrastructure security. In response to reports of power tower destructions across the country, the Minister announced that the matter had been escalated to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to bolster security around power infrastructure.
“What good is it to invest significant resources into power infrastructure if the delivery system remains weak?” Adelabu asked. “That’s why we are focusing on improving transmission and distribution capabilities.”
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of protecting power infrastructure, which he described as national assets. He noted with regret the destructive incidents towards the end of 2023, where power towers were brought down, resulting in fatalities. Adelabu emphasized the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to safeguard these vital installations, warning that the government would enforce stricter penalties for power theft and vandalism through legislative measures.
Tackling Metering Gaps and Promoting Private Sector Involvement
Minister Adelabu also addressed the significant gap in metering across Nigeria. Although there are about 12 million electricity consumers in the country, only 5 million are properly metered. In response, the government has initiated the Presidential Mass Metering Program, which Adelabu chairs, with the goal of bridging this gap and ensuring accurate billing for electricity consumption.
Assuring continued support for private sector involvement, Adelabu reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investments in the power sector. By providing incentives, policies, and regulatory frameworks, the government aims to attract private investors and ensure a sustainable power supply for economic growth and improved living standards, especially in rural areas.
Expanding Renewable Energy Capacity
Engineer Lamu Audu, the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions, remarked that the 300KWp solar project aligns with the Federal Government’s National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy. This policy sets a roadmap for increasing Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity by 2030. The project also marks the beginning of Mainstream Energy’s integration of variable renewable energy into its operations, with plans underway to develop an additional 450MWp and 150MWp Solar PV systems at the Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plants.
Audu appealed to the government to continue fostering an environment that attracts private sector funding to further accelerate the growth of renewable energy in Nigeria. With the right regulatory framework, he believes the energy sector can achieve significant advancements in both capacity and sustainability.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the 300KWp solar PV project in Kainji marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing energy transformation efforts. By combining solar power with the rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric plants, the government is not only boosting its renewable energy capacity but also positioning the country for more sustainable and affordable power solutions in the years to come. With continued government support and active involvement from private investors, Nigeria’s energy future looks promising, contributing to national economic growth and improved living standards for all citizens.
