The Niger State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) have joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer renewable energy projects in the region.
The MoU was signed by the Governor and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, on behalf of the Niger State Government. Representing the NNPC were the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power, and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, and the Managing Director, New Energy Limited, Kanayochukwu Odoe.
According to the state government, the MoU will pave the way for an array of low-carbon solution projects, including a state-of-the-art greenfield hydroelectric power project.
Beyond the hydroelectric power project, the agreement heralds the establishment of mega solar parks in institutions and the installation of home solar systems for a staggering 250,000 households. This initiative is set to illuminate a significant portion of the 800,000 households in Niger State with renewable energy.
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The pact also encompasses the construction of a colossal 500 million-litre ethanol plant. The plant will be coupled with the cultivation of maize, sugarcane, and sweet sorghum on an expansive 100,000 hectares of land in Niger State. This cultivation is projected to yield over 500,000 tonnes of crops, providing ample feedstock for the ethanol plant.
Also, this initiative aims to help achieve the NNPC’s commitment to plant 135 million trees on 100,000 hectares of land as part of its 2030 net zero targets and climate protection efforts.
This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving a green-energy economy and is expected to have a substantial impact on the state’s industrialization, agriculture, solar deployment, and renewable energy sectors.