The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is embarking on a transformative project to bolster power supply to the Challawa Industrial Area in Kano State, Nigeria. This ambitious endeavor involves the construction of a 20-megawatt embedded solar power facility, a collaborative effort with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Haier Technologies. The project aims to address the chronic power shortages hindering the industrial growth and economic potential of the region, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale manufacturers. This initiative directly responds to a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighting the government’s commitment to revitalizing industrial activity and creating employment opportunities in Kano.
The NDPHC, under the leadership of Managing Director/CEO Jennifer Adighije, has meticulously planned this project, prioritizing a sustainable and cost-effective solution rather than a hasty, short-term fix. The collaboration with NASENI and Haier Technologies underscores the strategic approach taken to ensure the project’s technical viability and long-term success. The site assessment visit, led by Adighije and attended by key executives and representatives from partner organizations, signifies the project’s transition from planning to implementation. The engagement with Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), led by its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abu Jimeta, further reinforces the commitment to strengthening partnerships and improving electricity access across the region.
A key objective of the solar power project is to unlock Kano’s vast solar potential and establish it as a reliable energy source for local industries. Adighije’s direct engagement with business owners in Challawa Industrial Area underscores the project’s focus on addressing their specific energy needs. The initiative reflects a broader national objective of leveraging renewable energy to drive industrial growth and economic diversification. The project is also aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of industrialization and poverty reduction, emphasizing the strategic importance of Kano in achieving these national goals.
The Challawa Industrial Area plays a significant role in national revenue generation and employment creation. However, its potential has been hampered by unreliable power supply, hindering businesses and stifling economic growth. The NDPHC recognizes this challenge and aims to provide a dedicated power source to revitalize the area’s industrial activities and unlock its full economic potential. The embedded generation solution, bypassing the traditional grid system, will provide a more reliable and cost-effective power supply directly to industrial hubs, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and contribute more significantly to the national economy.
The NDPHC’s strategic shift towards offering embedded generation solutions represents a significant evolution in the Nigerian electricity market. Traditionally focused on supplying power to the national grid through gas-fired plants, the NDPHC is now adapting to the changing market dynamics by offering direct power supply to distribution companies, bulk buyers, and registered consumer groups. This approach empowers industrial clusters like Challawa to take control of their energy needs and secure more competitive and favorable tariffs. The NDPHC encourages businesses to explore the option of forming registered trading entities to procure electricity directly under the new bilateral trading regime, promising more competitive tariffs compared to current offerings from distribution companies.
This project exemplifies a strategic approach to addressing power challenges in Nigeria. By leveraging solar energy, fostering collaboration, and implementing innovative solutions like embedded generation, the NDPHC is not only addressing immediate energy needs but also contributing to long-term sustainable development. The focus on empowering local industries, particularly SMEs, highlights the project’s potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of people in the Challawa Industrial Area and beyond. The project’s alignment with national economic goals and the commitment of key stakeholders further strengthens its potential for success and its significance as a model for future power projects in the country.
