A new mini grid regulation recently passed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to promote investments in the country’s distributed energy market, has resulted in the procurement and development of two new solar power projects, the country’s power minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed.
According to Fashola, one of the projects to be sited in Abuja would provide stable electricity to 145 households and five businesses.
The regulation, contains a net-metering for very small capacities (typically below 1MW); feed-in tariff for capacities up to 5 megawatts (MW) of solar, 10 MW of wind, 10 MW of biomass, and 30MW of small hydro; as well as competitive tender for capacities above these thresholds to be procured through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).
Speaking at the 19th edition of the monthly power sector operators meeting in Lagos, Fashola disclosed that the NERC had licensed the procurement and development of the two new solar power projects on the back of its inauguration of the regulation.
“Let me commend the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the issuance of regulations issued at our last meeting in Kano. It is beginning to bear the results of registration and licensing because the Vice-Chairman of NERC informed me that a solar-based mini grid facility will be commissioned in Kigbe community, Kwali Local Government, FCT Abuja,” Fashola said.
He added: “It is a 20KW facility that will power 145 households and 5 businesses. The developer is Havenhill Synergy Ltd. I am also aware that there is another one scheduled for completion and commissioning in Kano shortly,” he added.
