Govt, others to use solar to boost power in Lagos communities

No fewer than 12,500 residents in five communities in the Epe area of Lagos State will soon benefit from solar mini energy project.

The project is being embarked on by the Lagos State Government; A4&T Power Solutions Limited and Ikeja Electric PLC.

At the groundbreaking ceremony of the interconnected solar mini grid, there was.jubilation among residents.

The residents were joyous because when the 0.88MW (scalable to up to 2MW) interconnected solar mini grid is completed, it will  provide  energy for  the communities in the Epe, Eredo Local Government Area of the state.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the  grid, which is being developed by A4&T Power Solutions Limited, in partnership with Ikeja Electric PLC as a project as a product of the Interconnected Minigrid Access Scheme (IMAS) programme, is laudable and first of its kind.

He said, “The Lagos State Government, via its Off-Grid Electrification Strategy and Action Plan, has set a target to achieve 1GW of Solar PV generation by 2030 and collaborative efforts of players in the sector, such as  being witnessed today between A4&T Power Solutions Limited, and Ikeja Electric PLC, will help to accelerate the achievement of this target.”

The Governor, who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote, said,”   In line with its T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, the Babatunde Sanwo-Olu administration is dedicated to fostering investment in the electricity sector towards achieving an optimal energy mix, and will continue to support, encourage, and partner forward-thinking corporate entities to further promote, and deepen sustainable off-grid electrification in the state.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State on Innovation and Technology, Mr Tubosun Alake, said that the initiative would  support the advancement of digital transformation, and provide alternative energy options for digital businesses within the state, and lauded the initiative.

Head of Business Development Ikeja Electric (IE), Ms Obianuju Okweze, expressed the company’s commitment to serving underserved customers, and reducing the over-dependence on the grid.

 The Epe mini-grid power plant will be powered by Solar and Gas, which will improve the energy mix and it is expected to benefit approximately 12,500 people,while reducing tons of CO2 emissions yearly.

Chairman, Board of Directors A4&T, Mr Victor Afolabi, expressed the delight for what the  stakeholders were doing about the project.

He said the organisation’s strategic objective is to continue to raise the bar of innovation in the industry through integrated utilities.