*As Anjeed Kafanchan Solar gets approval to evacuate 100MW
Oscarline Onwuemenyi
10 February 2015, Sweetcrude, Abuja – A group of energy investors have stressed that Nigeria has “very high potential” to be a leading exporter of solar-generated energy within the continent in a few years.
The group which was in the country to explore investment opportunities mainly in renewable energy, told reporters in Abuja that with the reforms in the nation’s power sector concluded, there was more incentive among foreign companies to partner with Nigerians to develop other sources of energy and to boost generation.
Representing the of international technical partners, including SMA Solar Solutions, REC Solar and Bejulo, Mr. Thomas Sherman said, “The influx of foreign investment in the nation’s power sector, especially in solar energy development, is an encouraging sign that Nigeria has very high potential to be a net exporter of solar energy in the continent.”
Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has given official notification of provisional approval to a grid-connected solar power generating company, Anjeed Kafanchan Solar Limited, to expand their evacuation ambitions to 100MW.
The independent solar power plant is slated for construction in Kafanchan, and will connect to the 132kV NIPP Substation-Kafanchan.
The project’s first 10MW phase previously received TCN’s approval and was issued a license from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
After inspection, TCN stated that, “the proposed connection at Kafanchan 132/33KV substation is technically viable and adequate for the evacuation of additional 90MW power.”
The project will connect directly to the 132KV Switchyard at the Jos-Kafanchan NIPP132/33 kVA Substation. This connection will be made using specialized, well-tried and tested inverter/transformer technology coupled with state-of-the-art grid-connection switchgear. As the project shares a common wall with the substation, transmission lengths from the farthest distance within project boundaries to the connection point will be less than 500 metres, resulting in reduced power losses.
According to the Chairman of the group, the Kafanchan Project is currently the largest licensed grid-connected project in Nigeria and is set to be the first utility scale project of its kind to connect to the national grid.
“The ability to achieve such a status has come from the dedicated management team, under the leadership of Group CEO Gideon Nyan, Chairman of the board, Col BT Kachim (rtd.) Vice Chairman of the board, General Ishaya Bakut (rtd) as well as the support provided by international technical partners, including SMA Solar Solutions, REC Solar and Bejulo.
