FG to source solar energy locally to aid Green Bond Initiative.

In a bid to boost renewal energy, the federal government may consider the option of sourcing solar energy locally to empower nine universities to enhance the Green Bond Initiative in the country.

The Minister of State, Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril stated this when paying a working visit to National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, Solar Energy Ltd in Karishi, Abuja.

He said plans are underway to carry out renewable energy programmes with tertiary institutions in line with Nigeria’s nationally Intended Contributions to reduce carbon emissions here.

To Jibril, the ministry has identified solar energy plant that would support local manufacturing firm to produce solar panel, which is one of their critical focus of Green Bond project.

The minister therefore maintained, the issue of solar energy will encourage the use of local content which in turn help the country to save foreign exchange as well as create employment.

Earlier, Executive Vice Chairmen of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Sanni Haruna had told the minister that the Solar Energy Plant was first Solar PV Module/Panel manufacturing company in Nigeria.

“The Plant has a 7.5 mega watts capacity and it can produce all sizes and capacities of Solar PV module and the company’s products can complete favourably with any imported solar panel in the country,” he added.

Haruna also explained that NASENI Solar Energy Ltd was established to primarily reduce cost of quality solar panel as well as produce the ones that are 100 per cent made in Nigeria.