Renewable energy in Nigeria

Nigeria's power ministry is making strides to diversify the country's energy mix in an effort to boost power supply nationwide. Oriental Renewable Solutions, in collaboration with Greenwish Partners, is set to co-develop the company's solar power project in Gigawa, Northern Nigeria. Charlotte Oban Kalejian, President of Greenwish Partners, recently discussed the significance of this project during an interview on CNBC Africa. The Gigawa project aims to bring 200 megawatts of solar power to the region, providing electricity access to 2.5 million people and reducing 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the project is expected to create 1,000 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase. This initiative is particularly impactful in regions like Northern Nigeria, where there is a high demand for electricity and significant room for growth. The focus on solar energy in areas with abundant sunlight and land demonstrates the potential for renewable energy to play a crucial role in Nigeria's energy mix.\n\nGreenwish Partners' experience in working with the Nigerian government and local communities has been positive, given the political commitment and technical capacity present in the country. The company emphasizes the importance of partnerships to drive investments in solar projects and address the existing energy deficit. While challenges such as power reforms are ongoing, Greenwish Partners remains optimistic about the government's efforts to facilitate new solar projects and unlock additional capacity in the energy sector.\n\nLooking ahead, Greenwish Partners envisions expanding its solar projects across Nigeria, leveraging its over a billion-dollar investment capacity. The company also plans to focus on off-grid power solutions for industries, manufacturers, and telecom towers to enhance energy reliability and reduce costs. With a strong commitment to increasing renewable energy sources, Nigeria and other African countries are aligning their efforts to diversify their energy mix and improve electricity supply. Charlotte Oban Kalejian points to a shared dedication among these countries to embrace renewable energy as a key component of their energy strategies, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships and lender engagement in driving sustainable energy projects forward.\n\nIn conclusion, the collaboration between Greenwish Partners and Oriental Renewable Solutions in developing the Gigawa solar power project signifies a significant step towards expanding renewable energy access in Nigeria. With a focus on solar energy, job creation, and environmental sustainability, this initiative sets a positive precedent for future solar projects in the region, underscoring the importance of diversifying the country's energy mix and embracing renewable sources for long-term energy security.