FG Expands Power Generation in Kainji, Unveils 300KWp Solar PV Pilot Project

By Iyojo Ameh

In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance electricity access nationwide, the Federal Government has inaugurated a groundbreaking 300KWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) pilot project in Kainji, Niger State.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, stated during the commissioning while saying that this initiative is an important element of the administration’s commitment to achieving a reliable, qualitative power supply.

The newly commissioned project aims to boost power generation capacity, reduce electricity costs, and foster collaboration between the primary concessionaire, Mainstream Energy Solution, and its Chinese partner, HEDC, in the renewable energy sector.

According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser for Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister, the project includes a 675KWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), integral to the broader rehabilitation of the Kainji Hydro Power Plant (HPP).

The Minister emphasized the ministry’s dedication to meeting power demand, improving distribution and transmission infrastructure, addressing technical and commercial losses, closing metering gaps, and resolving challenges related to liquidity, power theft, and vandalism.

Expressing concern about recent incidents of power tower destruction around the country, Adelabu reported these issues to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to enhance security around power infrastructure. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in protecting these national assets.

Adelabu reiterated the government’s commitment to bridge the metering gap, highlighting ongoing efforts through the Presidential Mass Metering Initiative. With approximately 12 million electricity users and only five million currently metered, the Minister assured that measures were in place to rectify this gap.

Discussing the broader perspective, Engineer Lamu Audu, Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solution, affirmed the project’s alignment with the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency policy.

He revealed plans for additional Solar PV projects at Kainji and Jebba Hydro Power Plants, emphasizing the necessity for continued government support to attract private investors and ensure sustainable power supply for economic development.