Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey by officially commissioning the country’s largest grid-connected solar farm. President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the 10-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar plant in the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. Developed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), this $16 million project represents a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s energy transition and access goals.
Sitting on a 24-hectare site, the solar farm has advanced technologies and infrastructure to ensure efficient operation and integration into the national grid. Key features of the project include:
- 21,700 Monocrystalline PV Modules: These high-efficiency solar panels are designed to maximise energy capture and conversion, providing a robust foundation for the plant’s power output.
- 52 String Inverters: These inverters are crucial for converting the solar panels’ direct current (DC) generated into alternating current (AC) suitable for the national grid.
- 2 x 6.5 MVA Power Transformers: The transformers facilitate the scaling up of voltage to match the grid’s distribution requirements.
- 12 km Distribution System: This extensive network includes a 15MVA power transformer and 11 kV distribution panels, ensuring stable and reliable energy distribution.
- 192 Solar-Powered Streetlights: These lights enhance the safety and visibility around the plant and its surrounding areas, showcasing the integration of renewable energy solutions in everyday infrastructure.
- 2 km Internal Road: This road runs within and around the site’s perimeter, providing essential access for maintenance and operations.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The plant also features a modern warehouse and storage building, a control room, an office and workshop building, and a gatehouse. All these facilities are equipped with fire alarm systems, intercoms, and fire extinguishers to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
The solar plant was completed under a tight timeline, overcoming significant supply chain challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This project advances Nigeria’s renewable energy goals and has substantial socio-economic impacts, having already created approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs within the community.
NSIA’s Managing Director & CEO, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, emphasised the project’s role as a “proof of concept” for large-scale renewable energy initiatives in Nigeria. He underscored the plant’s contribution to the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and its potential to drive further growth in the power sector.
The inauguration of this solar plant marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape, setting a new standard for future projects and demonstrating the nation’s capability to deliver large-scale, sustainable energy solutions.