The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has officially announced the successful offtake of its 10 megawatt (MW) solar power supply from the Haske Solar Plant, strategically situated within the Challawa Industrial Cluster in Kano. This achievement represents a significant milestone in KEDCO’s initiative to diversify its energy sources, ultimately aimed at enhancing the reliability and sustainability of power supply for its growing customer base.
This vital development follows the formal signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between KEDCO and Haske Solar Company Ltd., which outlines the terms under which KEDCO will procure solar energy from the facility. The Haske Solar Plant, a project backed by the Federal Government and implemented through the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), is managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). Officially commissioned in January 2023, the solar plant serves as a crucial component in Nigeria’s broader strategy to transition towards renewable energy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The PPA was recently signed in Abuja by Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of KEDCO, and Mr. Tajudeen Datti Ahmed, the Executive Director of Portfolio Management at KEDCO. The signing event was also attended by Yusuf Yahaya, the Managing Director of Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in KEDCO.
In a statement regarding the partnership, Dr. Jimeta emphasized its importance in realizing the company’s commitment to delivering dependable and sustainable electricity to its customer base. He highlighted the significance of integrating solar energy into their existing supply mix, which not only enhances the operational efficiency of KEDCO’s network but also aligns with Nigeria’s national energy transition goals focused on greater sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The offtake of solar power supply has already commenced, with energy being evacuated through KEDCO’s Abattoir Injection Substation. From there, the solar energy is distributed to industrial customers within the Challawa Industrial Cluster via the NBC 11KV and Ceramic 11KV Feeders. This immediate distribution aligns with a larger strategic framework aimed at ensuring energy security throughout the KEDCO network, which serves the states of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa. By bolstering energy access, KEDCO seeks to support key industries and socio-economic activities, thereby safeguarding employment opportunities and maintaining regional competitiveness.
Yusuf Yahaya, representing FEA, expressed his company’s robust commitment to facilitating the transformation of
KEDCO into a leader in affordable and sustainable electricity provision across the three states it services. He stated that through innovative solutions, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships like the one with Haske Solar, they aspire to spearhead the adoption of renewable energy and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.
KEDCO also took this opportunity to commend the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the successful establishment and operation of the Haske Solar Plant, which is recognized as Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar facility. Concluding its statement, KEDCO reaffirmed its dedication to investing in innovative technologies and forging partnerships that will ensure an uninterrupted power supply, while revealing that several other renewable energy projects are currently under review as part of a comprehensive energy diversification strategy.