The federal government is considering building a 2.5 megawatt (MW) hybrid solar power plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna to improve electricity while combating increased insecurity.
Engr Abubakar Aliyu, Minister of Power, announced this yesterday at the 40th National Solar Energy Forum (NACEF 2022) at the academy.
The minister, who was represented by the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, stated that reliable and sustainable energy was critical in the country’s fight against insecurity.
Aliyu stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is driving decarbonisation and is in talks with developers about solar power projects.
He further said, “Ten state governments are enabling solar projects in their states that will deliver 100MW each, contributing 1000MW to the off-grid structure.”
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, was hopeful that the outcome and suggestions would further enhance the government’s effort to rid the country of insurgency.
The Commandant of NDA, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, said, “There’s still much to do to achieve improved access to green energy sources. As an institution, we’ve devoted a lot of resources to improve knowledge on the issue and track global development on renewable energy sources because energy is a critical component of national security.”
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr Salihijo Ahmad, said there had been significant improvement in the nation’s renewable energy space because of different initiatives of the government.
The programme was organised by the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) in collaboration with REA and the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
