The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) which recently laid the foundation for its solar cell production factory in Gora, Nasarawa state Nigeria, has positioned to be a game changer in the nation’s energy sector.
The Executive Vice-chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI during the foundation laying ceremony Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna disclosed that the agency has embarked on a $325,860,690 solar cells production plant to make power affordable.
He stated that the agency’s goal was to use science, innovation, and technology, to advance local contends interventions in power sector reforms.
In his words, “The cost of solar energy is still beyond the affordability of an average Nigerian hence the necessity of this project. When fully commissioned, the price per watt of solar power supply will be cheap enough to be affordable to everyone and it is a game changer in the energy and power supply industry as well as industrial development in Nigeria. This singular project has the capacity to positively change the energy status of Nigeria, the region, and the continent of Africa since it is the first of its type”.
Also present at the foundation laying ceremony, Nigeria’s Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that the solar cell production factory will lead to solar manufacturing in the country. He was also positive that the NASENI solar cell production plant will meet and surpass expectations when it becomes fully operational.
In his words,
“This landmark achievement places Nigeria within the ranks of countries pushing the boundaries in the use of climate-smart energy sources, particularly solar power. And as we have heard, this particular project is built on 10 years of work. 10 years ago, NASENI established its 7.5mw solar panel production plant. Its capacity is now 21MW. NASENI solar cell production factory in Nigeria will be a game changer, given the urgency of climate action today and the importance of developing African green energy manufacturing and solutions”.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) last year stated that it received a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari to produce more solar cells to boost Nigeria’s alternative power sources.
Investors King understands that for over 10 years, NASENI has been consistent in championing solar power as an alternative to hydro and fossil power. The agency’s target is to contribute 50 megawatts of solar energy to Nigeria’s electricity by 2023. The agency has already achieved about 21 Megawatts per annum with installed capacity through its NASENI Solar Energy Limited, a manufacturing plant located in Karshi, Abuja.
In Nigeria, the rapid population increase and the overreliance on fossil fuel have no doubt created significant environmental, health, and economic consequences which have led to severe socio-economic drawbacks.
Also, the energy deficit has led to poverty, economic decline, hardship, and several negative impacts. That is to say that a constant and stable energy supply is fundamental to the development of the country. With the commencement of the NASENI solar cell production plant and the agency’s commitment to enhance Nigeria’s energy sector, it is not far-fetched to say that the nation will record several remarkable achievements as a result of improved energy supply.
