Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to develop, finance, construct, and manage a 100-megawatt (MW) floating solar power facility at the Kainji hydroelectric power station, marking a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
During the signing event held in Abuja, Sani Bello, Chairman of MESL’s Board of Directors, emphasized that this initiative represents a major milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
He highlighted that once operational, the floating solar plant will supply clean and dependable electricity to thousands of households and enterprises across Nigeria, fostering economic growth while reducing environmental footprints.
“Our collaboration with Granville Energy to establish a 100MW floating solar installation at Kainji underscores our dedication to expanding Nigeria’s power capacity through sustainable and eco-friendly technologies,” Bello stated.
“Mainstream Energy Solutions has consistently prioritized renewable energy projects, aligning with our corporate mission and social responsibility goals. This memorandum of understanding exemplifies our commitment to driving impactful change and supporting Nigeria’s economic advancement,” he added.
“This project perfectly aligns with our fundamental aim: to fuel Nigeria’s economic progress in an environmentally conscious way,” Bello concluded.
Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), remarked on Nigeria’s ongoing challenge of widespread electricity access, particularly in rural and underserved urban communities.
He asserted that distributed renewable energy systems represent the most cost-effective solution to electrify these areas, leveraging clean energy sources to bridge the power gap.
“Introducing 100 megawatts of renewable energy into the national grid is a significant boost to Nigeria’s renewable energy portfolio. Aside from major projects like the 450MW Azura plant and the Zungeru hydro project, which MESL is actively involved in, there has been limited addition of renewable capacity,” Aliyu explained.
“Currently, the REA is working to integrate approximately 188.4 megawatts through interconnected mini-grids, including a pioneering floating solar project planned at the University of Lagos, where solar panels will be installed on the lagoon to power the campus,” he added.
Aliyu expressed strong support for MESL and Granville Energy’s initiative, noting the federal government’s enthusiasm for such innovative renewable energy models that utilize hydro reservoirs for floating solar installations.
He further advised that the project should incorporate its own distribution infrastructure, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and comprehensive metering to ensure its commercial sustainability, emphasizing that these components are critical for the long-term viability of renewable energy ventures.
“This is a sophisticated and innovative framework that deserves encouragement. The REA is eager to collaborate, support, and learn from this project to replicate similar models at scale,” Aliyu concluded.
Tabi T. Tabi, CEO of Granville Energy, shared that the memorandum of understanding commits both organizations to the development of the Kainji Floating Solar Plant, which aims to eventually reach a capacity of 1,000 megawatts (1 gigawatt).
He noted that the immediate priority is the swift execution of the first phase, which will contribute 100 MW of hybrid renewable energy to Nigeria’s power grid. “This ambitious multi-gigawatt plan exemplifies the potential unlocked when two leading African nations-Nigeria and South Africa-join forces,” Tabi remarked.
By installing advanced solar panels on the surface of the Kainji reservoir, the project will create a hybrid energy system that maximizes efficiency. Solar power generation will peak during daylight hours, while the hydroelectric plant and battery storage systems will provide steady power during periods of low sunlight or variable water flow, ensuring a reliable energy supply.
“Floating solar technology also offers significant water conservation benefits by reducing evaporation from the reservoir, which is vital for a country balancing energy production with agricultural and domestic water demands,” he explained.
“The initial 100 MW phase is just the beginning of a broader vision that, once completed, will deliver 1,000 MW of clean energy, substantially lowering carbon emissions and reinforcing Nigeria’s dedication to the Paris Agreement and its climate objectives,” Tabi concluded.