in Kaduna

Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with J-Marine Logistics Limited Dubai, for the development of a 100mw solar energy project with integrated battery energy storage system (BESS).

Speaking at the official signing of the MoU yesterday in Kaduna, Chairman of KEDCO, Mr. Aminu Suleiman, said the initiative is a bold step in addressing the power supply challenges as well as lay the foundation for inclusive economic growth and development.

According to him, the collaboration will bring about cleaner energy, enhance steady power supply and greater industrial productivity.

He said the initiative is targeted at industrial customers, stressing that focus will be on return investment or wherever the return of the investment is guaranteed.

He described the signing of the MoU as a defining moment in the collective journey towards a more sustainable and reliable energy within KEDCO’s franchise location of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna.

Suleiman said, “This initiative is a bold step in addressing the power supply challenges in our region and lays the foundation for inclusive economic growth and development.

The KEDCO chairman said, “The initiative targets our industrial customer; however, it is not that we are not going to give residential but our primary focus will be where we have return of the investment or wherever the return of the investment is guaranteed.

“Thank our partners the J-Marine Logistics, for sharing in our commitment to powering communities and transforming lives.

“Your collaboration brings cleaner energy, enhances good stability, and has greater industrial productivity.

“To our stakeholders, your support has always been the cornerstone of our progress, we are excited to embark on this journey with you as we chart a course towards a brighter, more resilient future.

“Today marks the beginning of our strength to resolve to bring sustainable energy to every home, industry and institution within our reach.”

Also speaking, Chairman of J-Marine Logistics, Mohammed Shafiq, said his company will provide 100 megawatts solar panels in Kaduna and neighbouring countries.

He added that electricity metres will also be assembled to enable the KEDCO to have better control over revenue collection from consumers.

Shafiq said, “Our plan is to provide 100 megawatts of solar panels in Kaduna and neighbouring countries.

“Once that is done, we will be discussing about electric meters which we are already assembling in Nigeria.

“Simultaneously we are discussing producing solar panels here in Kaduna and their capacity could be up to 500 megawatts per year. That is our plan.

“We can give as many metres as they need. They can need 100,000 or 500,000 metres per year. We will be able to produce.”

Shafiq added that his company has the capacity to bring power plants to Kaduna and other neighbouring countries.

“The market is here. We have discussed the prices and it is good for us to bring it here,” he added.