The Federal Government is tackling the power shortfall, according to Minister of Power Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, by utilizing renewable energy sources, including mini-grids, solar power, and windfall.
At the presentation of the proposed 30 megawatt (MW) windfall and solar hybrid project in Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday in Abuja, Adelabu made this statement in the company of Mr. Abdulrasheed Lawal, Director Procurement, Ministry of Power.
Following the appropriate evaluation, Crown Resources Development Company Limited (CREDCO) would carry out the project in association with Vergnet, a French wind turbine company with its headquarters located in France.
He said,” We are aware that presently there is an energy deficit in the country, so we are doing everything possible to address the issue by investing in alternative sources.
”We have to think outside the box to achieve energy sufficiency; we have to look at using mini-grids, solar, and wind to achieve this.
”We are already doing 10 MW using windfall in Katsina, and we are trying to replicate the same in Lagos in order to ensure a reliable and steady power supply in the country, he said.
On his part, Mr. Barney Ojiah, Chief Executive Officer of CREDCO, said that they were in the ministry of power to make a presentation on the project and to discuss how to further improve power supply for Nigerians. He emphasised that power is important in the lives of all Nigerians, no matter how it comes.
”This is a collaborative effort between the ministry of power and CREDCO on how to achieve a reliable and steady power supply, he said.
Also, Mr. Frederic Cheve, Subsidiaries Manager, Africa, Vergnet, said while making his presentation that the project was a renewable and innovative solution to Lagos energy needs. According to him, the project aims to harness the abundant wind and solar resources to generate clean and reliable power while mitigating the risks associated with relying on a single source of energy.
He said that the proposed capacity of the project was 20–30 megawatts of wind and solar-hybridized systems. Cheve, who said the project would be developed in phases, added that it would have a number of significant benefits for Lagos and the country. He listed the benefits, which include improved energy security and grid stability.
”It will create green jobs, boost the local economy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and curtail greenhouse gas emissions.
”This project will contribute to achieving Nigeria’s national energy goals,” he said.
Cheve further said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which aimed to add 12,000 MW of electricity to the national grid and provide 24-hour electricity for Nigerians.
”The project is in line with the renewable energy plan that is based on Nigeria’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060,” he said.
