The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, has said the agency targets contributing 50 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to Nigeria’s electricity grid next year
Haruna stated this during the closing ceremony of a week-long NASENI skill acquisition training and youth empowerment for 100 youths on solar installation and maintenance in Awka, Anambra State, at the weekend.
Prof. Haruna said the agency already has achieved about 21MW per annum with installed capacity through its NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL), a manufacturing plant located in Karshi, Abuja.
He said the plant is now implementing its plan to double that capacity to move its production capacity to 50 Megawatts to bridge the gaps of over 80 per cent imported substandard solar products which has flooded Nigerian markets.
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He harped on the need for training and retraining of technicians in the solar electric power supply subsector, stressing that a competent workforce for Nigeria is a must for self-reliance and industrial development.
According to the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, he explained that “Technicians must be trained and retrained for knowledge update. Failure to acquire skill and training for solar electricity supply is the root cause of most failed solar installations across the country. This is frustrating and discouraging to customers, some consumers are already contemplating that the solar power system is a myth instead of a reality.”
Haruna however noted that NASENI solar panels and installations have not recorded failure anywhere across the country.
