…Solar production plant will crash price of solar panels, says NSEL MD
Nigeria is set to launch the largest solar cell production plant in Africa, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other prominent Nigerians attending the groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow (March 23, 2023).
The plant, located in Gora, Nasarawa State, will be instrumental in the local production of solar panels, providing an alternative source of power generation to ease the burden on the national grid.
Once fully operational, the NASENI Solar Energy Ltd plant is expected to crash the prices of solar panels in Nigeria, according to its managing director, Dr. Mahmud Jaffar. This will help the country achieve the industrial revolution and economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government while also providing employment opportunities for the youth, he said.
The plant’s establishment is in response to a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari to boost the country’s alternative source of power generation.
NASENI is already collaborating with China Great Wall Industries Corporation (CGWIC) on three projects in the power sector: electric power transformer production, solar cells manufacturing and high voltage testing laboratories.
The executive vice-chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, said the plant’s importance lies in Nigeria’s complete solar energy production plant. The plant will add to NASENI’s existing 7.5-megawatt solar panel production plant in Karshi, Abuja.
“The establishment of this plant,” Haruna said “[will see] Nigeria provide a complete solar energy production facility, adding to NASENI’s 7.5 MW Solar Panel Production Plant in Karshi, Abuja. This means that Nigeria will produce locally sourced solar panels, providing an alternative power source and reducing the strain on the national grid”.
With the new plant, Nigeria will produce 100 per cent locally made solar panels and other electronic materials, which will help fill the gaps in electricity supplies in the country.
The move towards alternative power sources is crucial for the country as it aims to become a net-zero emitter by 2060.
NASENI’s chief information officer, Chinyere Obiorah-Ekwuazi, revealed via a statement that NASENI has acquired 15.8 hectares of land in Karu local government area of Nasarawa State to establish the solar energy production plant.
The groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony will take place tomorrow, marking the effective start of the project.
