- 100MW Ologbo, 200MW Edo North power projects get nod
- Investors eye generation, distribution, mini-grids, renewables
- Usenbor: State moving beyond dependence on national grid
The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has opened its electricity market to private investment, granting more than 12 provisional licences for power generation, distribution, mini-grid and renewable energy projects.
Bloomshire Nigeria learnt that the licences were issued under the state's new electricity regulatory framework, following the operationalisation of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC).
This development marked a major step in the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law and the decentralisation of the state's power sector.
Among the projects granted provisional approval is the 100-megawatt Independent Power Project being developed by CCETC Ogua Energy Limited at Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The Edo North Electricity Company Limited was also granted approval for a proposed 200MW Independent Power Plant expected to serve the six local government areas in Edo North Senatorial District.
Commissioner for Power Paul Usenbor said GTL Power Limited secured a distribution licence covering Edo South Senatorial District.
Etin Power Limited was granted a 2.5MW mini-grid licence covering Ajakurama, Okomu, Nikorogha, Ugbolukanga, Gbelebu, Evbuwa and Iguemokhua communities across Orhionmwon, Ovia Northeast and Ovia Southwest local government areas.
Halimatu Musa Hospital Limited also received a provisional licence for a 3MW mini-grid project at Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area.
The Mid Western Bulk Electricity Trading Company Limited was issued a generation licence for a proposed 50MW project at Iguigho in Ovia Southwest.
Other investors include Victoria Power & Infrastructure Company Limited and Hydra Energy Solutions Limited, which are expected to develop renewable-energy projects as part of efforts to expand electricity supply across the state.
The commissioner said the emerging structure would reduce Edo's reliance on the national grid and the existing electricity distribution arrangement by creating a diversified market involving generation, transmission, distribution, mini-grids and renewable energy.
According to him, the larger projects, with capacities ranging between 100MW and 200MW, represent significant new investments in Edo's electricity sector.
Usenbor said: “Its significance goes beyond the 100MW generation capacity because the accompanying transmission and distribution infrastructure will allow the electricity generated to be delivered to consumers.
“The mini-grid projects, although smaller in capacity, demonstrate the state's approach to decentralised electricity generation, particularly for communities and critical facilities that may not be adequately served by the conventional grid.”
The commissioner said the new regulatory regime was designed to attract private capital, expand generation capacity and develop alternative electricity supply systems for communities, businesses and critical infrastructure across the state.