FG proposes 30MW hybrid wind farm in Sokoto

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has flagged off a 3 day expanded stakeholders engagement towards the proposed 30MW Hybrid wind farm scheme in Sokoto State.

Addressing the gathering, the Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Monilola Udo, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr. Mathias Eluma said the federal government remained committed to addressing the challenges of energy deficiency.

“You are aware that Nigeria has significant infrastructural challenges, especially in the energy generation and distribution network. The current administration is working to significantly improve on these indices which are related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) NO. 7.

“This is important and will boost access to energy, improve life expectancy, provide jobs, reduce poverty and hunger, tackle insecurity, improve health, education and sanitation.”

In its efforts towards sufficient energy, Mathias said, the ministry of science, technology and innovation through the Renewable and Conventional Energy Technology Department in collaboration with other stakeholders had produced an Onshore Wind Map for Nigeria

On his part, Sokoto State Commissioner of Energy and Petroleum Resources, Hon Aliyu Balarabe Dandinmahe said the proposed Wind Turbine Technology Farm and Small Hydropower (HP/Solar PV Electricity Pilot Scheme (Hybrid) project at Jaredi and Shagari Earth Dam, Sokoto will receive the needed support towards its actualization.

“This singular act of national recognition is highly appreciated and will go a long way in promoting understanding, and improvement in the lives of the locals,” he said.

Giving his perspective at the meeting, the Vice Chancellor of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Prof Lawal Bilbis, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor, Yusuf Saidu, said research and innovation are inevitable endeavours towards solving human challenges.

In his remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Mamora said that Nigeria will continue to explore the huge potentials of renewable energy resources available for rapid transformation of the nation’s economy.

“It is imperative to say that Nigeria will continue to explore new ways to increase her renewable energy development in the quest to overcome the energy crisis bedeviling the country.”

Mamora further said the country needs stakeholders’ engagement to chart a way forward for Nigeria to deepen, grow and develop its energy sector for sustainable national development by harnessing its abundant renewable energy resources.

Before flagging off the 3 days expanded stakeholders’ engagement and interactive consultation on the proposed pilot wind farm project Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Mainasara said the State government has provided free massive land for the establishment of the Solar farm in Sokoto.

Tambuwal also noted that, the renewable energy drive  is an effort geared towards connecting places that are off the national grid.