Global energy developer New Generation Power (NGP) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver 1,200MW of utility-scale photovoltaic projects within the West African country.
Motir Seaspire, a specialist in construction and energy development, also signed the MoU for the estimated US$2 billion plan.
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Although the Nigerian government has yet to identify the location of the projects, NGP said they were expected to break ground in 2015 and be operational within two years.
Once completed, the projects are expected to produce 590,400MWh of renewable electricity annually. Currently, 60% of Nigerians do not have access to power, despite the country’s said enormous energy potential.
PV Tech recently reported news that the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, is “personally committed” to boosting the use of renewable energy in the country.
Commenting on the announced solar projects, Nigeria’s minister of power, Professor Dr. Chinedu Nebo, said: “We must support this project, as it will be in tandem with Mr. President’s long time wish for Nigeria to enjoy its abundant solar potentials especially those in rural areas, as it is envisioned that through a project like this, they would be linked to micro or mini-grid systems.”
A number of plans for large-scale PV projects in Nigeria have been made in recent months, including 500MW last year through a joint programme with Germany. However, none have yet come to fruition.
