No fewer than 12,500 residents in five communities in the Epe axis of Lagos State will benefit from the mini-solar energy project being implemented by the Lagos State Government; A4&T Power Solutions Limited and Ikeja Electric PLC. The groundbreaking ceremony of this interconnected solar mini-grid was held recently.
The excitement at the event is understandable because when the 0.88MW connected solar mini-grid (scalable to 2MW) is completed, it will provide energy to communities in Epe, Eredo Local Government Area.
The project is being developed by A4&T Power Solutions Limited, in partnership with Ikeja Electric PLC. The project is a product of the Interconnected Minigrid Access Scheme (IMAS) programme.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide-Sanwo-Olu who described the project as commendable and the first of its kind, said it is a step in the right direction, towards bridging the energy gap and enabling universal sustainable energy access in Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Government, through its Off-Grid Electrification Strategy and Action Plan, has set a target to achieve 1GW of Solar PV generation by 2030 and the collaborative efforts of players in the sector, such as 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 Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote, said, “In line with TEMA’s agenda to make Lagos a 21st Century Economy, the Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration is dedicated to developing investments in the electricity sector to achieve an optimal energy mix and will continue to support, encourage and partner with corporate entities that forward thinking to further improve, and expand sustainable off-grid electrification in the State”
Mr. Odusote, thanked A4&T Power Solutions Limited, and its development partners for choosing the country as an investment destination, and commended the management of Ikeja Electric PLC for their dedication, and demonstrated efforts, to improve electricity supply in underserved and underserved communities across the country . .
Odusote reiterated the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu (BOS) administration to support collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating access to sustainable energy across the State as it continues to provide forward-thinking leadership and an environment that can help provide better electricity supply to the ever-increasing population. . .
He himself, the Lagos State Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology, Mr. Tubosun Alake, said that the initiative would support the progress of digital transformation, and provide alternative energy options for digital businesses in the state, and commended the initiative.
The Head of Business Development, Ikeja Electric (IE), Ms Obianuju Okweze, while delivering the goodwill message on behalf of IE DISCO, expressed the company’s commitment to serve underserved customers, and reduce over-dependence on the grid.
The Epe mini-grid power plant will be powered by Solar and Gas, which will increase the energy mix and is expected to benefit about 12,500 people and reduce CO2 emissions every year.
The Chairman, A4&T Board of Directors, Mr. Victor Afolabi, expressed his happiness with what the stakeholders are doing with the project. He indicated that the organization’s strategic goal is to continue to raise the bar of innovation in the industry through integrated utilities.
CEO of A4&T Power Solutions, Ayo Ademilua, provides an in-depth insight into the Hybrid Interconnected mini-grid plant structure. The CEO was presented with some unique modern technologies like Electric Vehicle charging stations to electric motorcycles; Three Wheelers (known as keke marwa), and electric vehicles will be shared in the community to promote a cleaner environment and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
“This landmark project is the first in Lagos and marks a new era in sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. It is set to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s clean energy landscape as A4&T Power Solutions is poised to take the lead in bringing electricity to Nigeria’s unserved & underserved communities to create brighter, cleaner and more sustainable winter.
The project is a product of the Interconnected Minigrid Access Scheme (IMAS) programme.
The IMAS program aims to connect approximately 27,600 households and impact over 138,000 Nigerians. The program is led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), under the Federal Government of Nigeria Ministry of Power with funded support from the European Union and the German Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Program (NESP).