The Federal Government has met with solar power developers to improve the electricity supply in the country.
The meeting is to discuss the framework for the resolution of the impasse on the 1-Gigawatt Solar Power Plants ($1 billion in new investment), which has prevented developers from moving to site since signing Power Purchase Agreements in 2016.
The discussions were held at a meeting hosted by Abubakar Aliyu, minister of power and chaired by Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning.
Also in attendance were Ahmad Zakari, Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, financiers, development partners, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders.
Advertisement
In her opening remarks, Ahmed said the presence of developers at the meeting was proof of their commitment to the success of the project.
On his part, Aliyu pointed out that 1-Gigawatt of renewable energy can make a difference, considering the energy demands of Nigeria.
“The government is confronting electricity challenges with the implementation of numerous initiatives, and that current measures taken to improve electricity supply in Nigeria are yielding results,” he said.
Advertisement
He added that the government will continue to explore diverse ways of ensuring that electricity supply improves in the country.
Zakari stated that the resolution of all issues delaying the take-off of the project will accelerate government’s commitment to achieving 30% of grid power from renewable energy sources by 2030.
“The diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources will balance the energy demands of the country and mitigate future occurrences of grid disruptions occasioned by gas supply challenges,” he added.
It is expected that developers will move to site this year and some of the projects should commence operation by 2023.
Advertisement
Add a comment
