Nigeria’s federal government has said it would invest in a 2000 megawatts (mw) capacity solar farm to be built in an undisclosed location in the northern region.
The project would be the country’s first public run solar power plant when completed by the government who did not disclose its expected cost.
Power minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said on Wednesday night at a public dialogue organised by Nextier Advisory – a public infrastructure advisory firm, that procurement for the 2000mw solar farm had started with acquisition of the landed space being worked out.
Fashola said the government chose to invest in the project to provide evidence that a properly procured solar project could work in the country. He also noted that the project would serve as a learning curve to other promoters who are willing to invest in solar farm in Nigeria.
Though he left out details of the project’s financials and implementation timeline, the minister stated that the governor of the undisclosed northern state which will host the solar farm, was willing to provide the needed land for the project without difficulties.
According to him, solar was still very important in the country’s energy mix, and the project would help affirm Nigeria’s commitment to it.
Nigeria had in 2016 signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 14 Greenfield utility-scale solar power generation with private investors who will reportedly invest $2.5 billion to build and 1125mw of solar PV energy.
1 thought on “Nigeria plans first public utility-scale solar farm of 2000mw capacity”
I feel sorry for Nigeria with someone like Babatunde fashola as the minister for power. How can a lawyer do well in such a position? That is why he doesnt know that it is not properto have 2000MW of solar farm in one state. Secondly he ommitted the financial implication becos he was not told & he too doesnt know. It is just proper we have the right person as minister for [power for an effective planning.
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