Energy security: Katsina govt signs MoU with French companies

The Katsina State Government has unveiled plans to revamp the 10MW Wind Farm in Lambar Rimi, which has been dormant for nearly two decades.

The State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, made this announcement during a recent meeting with Vergnet Groupe—the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)—in Paris, France. Governor Radda, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, revealed that the State Government is committed to working closely with Vergnet Groupe to rehabilitate this vital asset and restore its capacity to support the State’s growing energy needs.

Emphasizing the importance of the wind farm to the region’s energy infrastructure, Governor Radda stated that his administration remains dedicated to ensuring its sustainable operation in line with Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan and the 2060 net-zero goals.

Additionally, the Governor outlined plans for a 10MW Solar Farm to complement the wind project. “This will provide clean and renewable energy to power approximately 4,400 homes across Katsina State.”

The Governor stressed that these projects are integral to Katsina State’s vision of becoming a leading renewable energy hub in Nigeria and contributing to the country’s broader transition to a sustainable energy future.

In the same vein, the State Government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ocean Solutions Energie to expand access to sustainable electricity.

A statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, disclosed that the State Governor and his Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, signed the MoU following critical engagements with development partners and industry experts in Paris, France.

Ocean Solutions Energie, a French-based company specialized in co-developing renewable energy projects in Africa, was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Minkaila Salami, who shared the vision of the Katsina State Government to advance renewable energy solutions, supporting Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and expanding access to sustainable electricity.

“In line with these objectives, Governor Radda revealed plans to establish a mini hydroelectric power station as part of a pilot project.”

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The Governor noted that the initiative will focus on providing reliable, renewable energy to local communities and will serve as a model for future hydroelectric developments across the State’s 43 dams.

The statement further noted that the “Katsina State Government is committed to providing financial support to ensure the successful installation and long-term sustainability of the power station.”

Governor Radda declared that the pilot project, located at Danja Dam, is designed to provide energy to critical local infrastructure, including irrigation systems, a water treatment plant, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and households.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, “The new MoU aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023, which emphasizes decentralized energy solutions, integration of renewable sources into Nigeria’s power grid, and fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy.”