Government commissions hybrid solar plant

Newly 25KW Hybrid Solar PV/ Wind demonstration power plant, commissioned in New Bussa, Niger State. Image source naijaloaded

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has commission a 25KW Hybrid solar PV/ wind demonstration power plant.

The project is a Nigeria-Germany Energy partnership under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP), an initiative signed between President Goodluck Jonathan and his German counterpart Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The plant is located at the National Power Training institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) Regional Training Centre (RTC) Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State.

Performing the commissioning ceremony at the weekend, the Minister of Power, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Amb. Godknows Igali said the project was the first of its kind in the West African sub-region, as the plant combines more than one source of renewable energy and is able to operate off-grid as well as on–grid.

The plant according to the Minister consists of a 10Kilowatts solar PV and three wind turbines of 5kw each making 25kilowatts power plant.

The Minister said the plant in addition to generating clean energy, is therefore perfectly suited as a demonstration and training facility for students being trained in the Institute.

Nebo further stated that what we are seeing today is a practical demonstration to enhance energy efficiency in the country.
The project, according to the Minster, is helping to provide an urgent solution to power supply shortages associated with pipeline vandalism, as gas is not required for the smooth operation of the renewable energy plant.

Nebo commended the German government for their role in the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), a programmed implemented by the German Agency for International Co- operation (GIZ), together with the Power Ministry and other public institutions, to improve the conditions for policy reforms and investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, rural electrification and capacity building.

The Minister also appreciated the cooperation of the host community and commended them for being peaceful and worthy partners in progress in the power sector.

He also promised to attend to the communities’ requests as channelled by the Emir of Borgu.

The Director – General of the Institute, Engr. Reuben Okeke, said the project being commissioned was bound to further strengthen and support the success of the “Operation Light-Up Rural Nigeria” Initiative, by providing adequate and skilled manpower during installation, operation and maintenance of all the facilities.

Okeke said the Hybrid demonstration plant would greatly add to the learning potentials of other institutes, while taking NAPTIN closer to the dream of being a world class institute. He also commended all NAPTIN’s partners for assisting the institute in its objective of eventually becoming a financially independent professional training centre for the power sector.

Okeke also revealed that to further strengthen the capabilities of NAPTIN, it will also shortly commission a fully equipped Engineering Training Laboratory at the Kano regional office.

Responding, the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Germany, Mr. Klemens Momkes said the successful delivery of the project was one more proof of the close relationship between Germany and Nigeria on matters related to promoting a sustainable and reliable power sector in Nigeria.

He stated that Energy Support Programme NESP is also implemented by GIZ and funded by the German government as well as the European Union. Mr. Klemens extended his best wishes to students who would be trained in the state –of- the – art training facility..

Director, Deutsche Gessells- Chaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Dr. Thomas Kirtsch said the hybrid PV/plant is the result and at the same time the beginning of a successful cooperation between Nigeria and German under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
Dr. Thomas said NESP which is a five year programme aimed improving the conditions for investment and renewable energy, energy efficiency and rural electrification.