Plans are underway by four states in Nigeria’s NorthWest Zone to promote the development of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydro to address the ongoing challenges of unreliable electricity supply plaguing the region.

In a recent development, Ahmad Zailani and Ibrahim Ali, electronic experts from Jigawa, emphasized the need for private sector investment to foster the establishment of independent power plants, particularly in northern Nigeria, which is rich in solar, wind, and biomass energy resources.

Zailani pointed out that Jigawa state has significant potential for biofuel production, which could accelerate its rural electrification program. He noted that biofuel could be derived from sugar cane and Jatropha plants, both of which are abundantly cultivated in Jigawa. “This biofuel has the potential to produce quality fuel for engines and machinery,” he stated.

He urged governments to enhance private sector participation to bridge funding gaps and strengthen regulatory frameworks and institutions, ensuring effective oversight and investment in modern transmission and distribution infrastructure.

To achieve power self-sufficiency, the Gombe state government has initiated a 100MW solar energy plant project. Ismaila Uba-Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House in Gombe, mentioned that the state is leveraging alternative power sources to reduce dependence on the national grid and enhance its revenue base. The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China 18th Engineering for the development of the solar power plant.

Uba-Misilli stated, “The 100MW plant is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and provide stable power supply to industries and residents of the state. When this project comes to fruition, it will definitely enhance many opportunities in terms of businesses, social, and economic activities.”

He added that with the 100MW solar plant and the Dadinkowa dam, which generates 40MW, Gombe state aims to become an energy hub. Additionally, the government is working on the hydropower component of the Balanga dam to generate electricity for irrigation farming in the surrounding areas.

Similarly, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) announced a $100 million investment for a 100MW power plant to improve electricity supply to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Sani Bala, Head of Corporate Services at KEDCO, stated that the project, dubbed “Safe Grid,” aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply and reduce reliance on the national grid.

Bala noted that KEDCO currently receives less than half of its power allocation from the grid, which disrupts businesses and challenges financial performance. He explained that the ‘Safe Grid’ initiative would utilize embedded electricity generation within KEDCO’s network, addressing issues of unreliability and blackouts, thereby enabling key industries and socio-economic activities to flourish in the franchise states while safeguarding jobs and competitiveness in the region.

“This project will build the first 20MW out of the 100MW grid under an Emergency Project valued at $20 million, expected to be operational by the end of the year. The generation units are already available, and KEDCO is accelerating project development ahead of installation and commissioning in the Tamburawa area of Kano State,” he added.

Furthermore, KEDCO plans to procure electricity for the “Safe Grid” from the 10MW Haske Solar Power Plant, established by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). The grid will also draw 16MW from the combined capacities of the Tiga and Chalawa Hydroelectric Power projects built by the Kano state government.

“KEDCO is excited to be the first Distribution Company to offer 24-hour supply through the ‘Safe Grid’ initiative,” Bala concluded, emphasizing the project’s alignment with the visions of state governors to make the franchise area attractive for industrial and agro-processing businesses.

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