Minister wants energy firm to expedite action on electricity generation

Mr Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has tasked Hecate Global Renewables, an American energy firm, to expedite action for quick electricity generation in the country.

The minister spoke at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Hecate Global Renewables, led by Ms Catherine Mfere, Head of Business Development, Sub- Saharan Africa, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nnaji told the visitors that there were up to four cities in Nigeria that the government was making efforts to complete abandoned projects in terms of solar panels.

“So, we may not need to make new ones except where what we have is different from what you are looking at.

‘’We are going to provide policy support and the land, also what is important to us is that you make batteries too and we are blessed with lithium in this country.’’

The minister said some states were rich in lithium while expressing optimism that it would help to enhance the project.

He said that Nigeria needed serious minded partnerships that would go to work and set up immediately.

Nnaji said support from his ministry and the Ministry of Solid Minerals were readily available to facilitate the license to enable the firm begin operations.

The minister said the commitment of the ministry was assured as long as the mission of the firm was geared towards moving fast.

He disclosed that other firms from Belgium and China were also interested in building lithium battery plants as Nigeria was all about serious minded partnerships.

‘’We are particularly delighted that the company that wants to build solar panels also have capacity to build lithium battery plant.

‘’Like I said earlier, my interest lies on when to start and how fast you can move,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mfere said they had a responsibility to reach out to Africa.

‘’Our aim is to cater for the market in Africa and the needs in terms of all renewables from solar to hydro, wind and other resources.

‘’Our main reason for coming to Nigeria is to collaborate with the ministry; to be able to work together and see which area we can help and manage in terms of energy sector.

‘’We have done a number of projects in the U.S. because that was where we started,’’ she said.

Mfere also spoke about the biggest energy projects and others the firm had undertaken and are currently engaged in.

She said apart from solar, the firm also had expertise in battery storage, by manufacturing and storing its own batteries.

Mfere said the company was looking out for African countries with loopholes to fill in this regard.

“We can help each other to bring this reality to Nigeria because I believe that in Nigeria, the market is good.

“We will start from the scratch; finance, develop, train and at the end, leave it to the original owners of the project according to the type of agreement we enter into,’’ she said.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), spoke extensively on the need for renewable energy in Nigeria and the cost implications.

Abdullahi said the partnership was apt; adding that it was pertinent was to get it implemented as soon as possible.

“We don’t want to just sit here to talk and sign agreement; If possible, set up some implementation committee for this,’’ Abdullahi said.

On his part, MEJ Bassey, Director and Head of Department, Chemical Science and Technology Development, said that impact on the adverse effects on the environment should be conducted.

Bassey said there should be some form of impact assessment since the project had to do with waste products in batteries.

He also highlighted the operational guidelines as the country would not be a dumping ground.