FG signs MoU with 3 Firms to boost renewable energy

By Etuka Sunday

Federal Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three different Renewable Energy Companies namely, Solius NGPC, Peoples Home Association and Solar Force Nigeria Limited, for the production of solar power across the country.

This was in furtherance of its determination to diversify the energy mix according a statement issued by the  Assistant Director, Press, Ministry of Power, Deworitshe Patricia

Apart from power generation, these companies would also provide training for the indigenous staff.  Chairman of Solius Solution, Mr. Onu Eluwa promised to establish a training school here in Nigeria as part of its commitment to federal government.

The company intends to provide 1000MW into the national grid but would begin with 100MW in any location recommended by the Ministry of Power.

Chief Operating Officer of Peoples Home Association, Rasaki Porbeni, disclosed that its company will provide 500MW solar power.  This would be done in tranches of 100MW to 5 different locations in Nigeria just as it intends to establish Solar Research Centres in Universities across Nigeria and generates 10,000 jobs for Nigeria.

While Solar Force Company on its part will produce 1MW each of Solar Energy to 200 different villages in 6 different States of the Federation.  These entire projects by these companies would be self funded.

The Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, commended the 3 CEOs for their readiness in partnering the Federal Government in providing electricity using renewable energy to Nigerians.

He assured them of FG’s commitment to power delivery to Nigerians most especially the rural community who appear eliminated from electricity due to the demographic nature of the country.  Nebo stressed that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to giving power to the grass roots therefore his government is ready to support and encourage genuine investors in the power sector.

“We will do all that is needed for you to come on board in the granting of licences, Power Purchase Agreements, Environment Impact Assessment, etc.”

He further assured them that assistance will be provided with regards to land, while the Transmission Company will assist in deploying what is generated to the national grid.

He concluded that with the signing of the MoU, all other agencies of government now know that federal government is involved and will cooperate with them.