Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, announced plans for a 20-megawatt solar power plant as part of a larger 300-megawatt project in partnership with a local firm, as reported by Reuters on March 19. The cost and construction timeline were not disclosed. Nigeria, with over 200 million people, faces power shortages despite having a 12,500-megawatt capacity, leading to reliance on generators. The project, a joint venture between the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and North South Power (NSP) Company Ltd, aims to establish the Shiroro Generating Company, a solar-hydro hybrid project located in Shiroro, Niger State.

The pilot project will be integrated into NSP’s existing 600-megawatt Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant concession area. Shettima emphasized the project’s role in diversifying energy sources, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainability, aiming to serve as a model for future hydro-solar initiatives and national grid integration.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-sovereign-fund-pilot-development-20-megawatts-solar-plant-2024-03-19/