The Nigerian Government says the German power company, Siemens AG, will begin operations first quarter next year.
Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu during a worksop organised by the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PCAN), said President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration has put everything in place for the partnership to work.
According to him, the project has the capacity to expand Nigeria’s electricity from the current 4,500MW to 25,000MW.
The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) which began in 2021 is in three phases and is estimated to be completed in 2025.
The phases covers upgrading and expanding of the transmission networks and Distribution Companies networks, improvement of access to affordable, efficient and reliable electricity and providing support for industrial and economic growth in the country.
This first phase which began in 2021 will go on for a period of 10 months with the end goal of pushing to 7,000MW.
The second phase will raise the availability to 1,000MW and the third phase will raise the availability to 25,000MW.
”Given Siemens AG’s accomplishment of a similar plan in Egypt and also its reputation as an international giant in the power sector related engagements, it is strongly believed that the Nigeria Electricity Roadmap is possible and achievable” the Minister said.
He also explained that the government is currently evaluating the procurement process and is confident that a positive outcome will emerge.
“Sustainable growth in the power sector can only be achieved by adding renewable sources to the energy mix. Today, for example, 80 per cent of our energy comes from gas-fired plants. Government is driving the change to increase the quantum of renewable energy sources using solar, wind and hydros across the nation.”
According to him, as part of plans to integrate more renewable sources into the energy mix, Mambilla is planned to deliver 3,050MW, Kashimbila is planned to deliver 40MW, Dadinkowa is also planned to deliver 40MW, Zungeru is planned to deliver another 700MW and Katsina Wind farm is planned with 10MW.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jeddy-Agba stated the need for investors to invest in the renewable energy sector because the government has developed favourable policies and business-friendly environment for them.
“We are not just looking at foreign investors; we want our local investors too to embrace the renewable energy sector. We want to assure all our investors and would-be investors that we will continue to create favorable policies and business – friendly environments for their investments to thrive, “ he assured.
Bilkisu Pai
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