The Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu has said the Federal Government is set to build a 2.5 Megawatts hybrid solar power plant in the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA), Kaduna to enhance security at the academy.
Aliyu, who was represented by the Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, stated this at the 40th National Solar Energy Forum (NACEF 2022), held at the JK Garba Hall, NDA.
The two- day event which held between August 29-30th was organized by the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Energy Commission (NEC).
The minister, alongside the Commandant of NDA, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, the Managing Director of REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, two Executive Directors of REA, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, Engr. Barka Sajou, among others, were conferred with Honourary fellowship of SESN award at the event.
Aliyu, while lauding the organizers of the event said that the theme “The Role Of Green Energy Technologies in National Security, Power Generation and Economic Sustainability”, was timely and necessary.
While noting that reliable and sustainable energy was key in the fight against insecurity in the country, the Minister maintained that “meetings of this nature, with extensive and robust discussions, will always bring out desirable outcome that can move Solar Energy penetration in Nigeria forward”.
He said: “Countries all over the world are variously exploring avenues of fulfilling their specific commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the Paris Agreement On Climate Change and COP26 Agreement in Glasgow. Nigeria is not left out”.
He added that to achieve Nigeria’s commitment to COP26, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is implementing different initiatives targeted at achieving at least, 30,000MW generation by 2030 with 30% from renewable energy sources.
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who also spoke at the forum, said she was excited about the programme as she believes the outcome and suggestions will further enhance government’s efforts to rid the country of insurgency.
Earlier, Commandant of the Academy, Yusuf in his welcome address said the institution was delighted over the theme of the forum because it addresses the contemporary security challenges facing the country.
