Operator of two of Nigeria’s large hydro power plants – Kainji and Jebba hydro plants – Mainstream Energy, has said it would build a 500 megawatts (MW) solar power plant to complement its electricity production from hydro sources.

It disclosed this would happen in partnership with French power firm – Engie, but did not state how much this would cost and when it would be ready, amongst other details.

“Mainstream, together with Engie of France, a global energy player, are currently working on developing a PV solar plant in enhancing generation and capacity of both plants with the installation of 500MW solar plants to complement hydro generation,” said Lamu Audu, chief executive of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, at a recent meeting in Minna, capital of Niger State.

Audu, explained the power firm would be investing heavily in capacity development to upgrade and sustain power production from its existing hydro plants.

In this regards, he noted: “We have established a training school to promote in house technical expertise and development which would be opened to the public; also, we have together with Poyry Austria, our technical partners, identified key hydro plants in Europe where we will be having joint interaction on various areas towards improving hydro generation and capacity building.”

He noted the company has set out 1% of its gross revenue to foster community development and sustainable operations in line with its core principles of environment, education, health and community empowerment.

“We established the Mainstream Foundation, our CSR outfit which is funded by 1% of our gross revenue to initiate and execute developmental programs,” added Audu.