hydropower-statkraft-flickrNigeria is well endowed with streams and tributaries, which makes it easier to harness hydro power. SHP Malthe Winje are considered market leaders in manufacturing and supplying prefabricated and standardised mini hydro plants. Along with Genesis Energy Corporation, the Norwegian company has embarked on a mission to light up Africa, one community at a time, said its officials.

Genesis Energy Corporation CEO Akinwole Omoboriowo II said, “In line with the vision of Genesis to light up Africa one community at a time, we have embarked on innovative means of generating power using alternative and renewable sources of fuel with particular interest in mini hydro and off-grid solar power solutions. This strategic initiative to provide fast-track sustainable mini hydro solutions to African countries will engender realistic optimism that stronger more enlightened renewable policies will emerge in and throughout Africa.”

According to Omoboriowo II, the modular units of the hydro power engines can be deployed in just six months, without any prohibitive costs of diesel oil or natural gas. The units could be connected to a small mini grid at 415V levels for direct consumption by targeted communities, or could be connected to the distribution network within the area of a modular hydro unit installation. The units have advantages of increased generated kilowatt-hour, in addition to having a minimal impact on the environment as water passing through water from rivers or streams would be used to feed the units.

Since Nigeria has several streams such as Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Cross Rivers as well as their respective tributaries, the mini hydro scale plants can be set with minimum investment.

SHP Malthe Winje has approached the Norwegian Export Credit Agency for a financing solution to deploy mini hydro power units to Nigeria and Africa. Norwegian Credit provides for 85 per cent of the total project costs, and the funds are likely to ensure a low competitive tariff due to the long period of amortisation, stated Genesis Energy Corporation.

Omoboriowo also added that that investment in the power solution would ensure job creation where the locals would be trained to maintain the plant, service and operate the mini grids where its utilised, and sell cards for prepaid metering vouchers to users stressing that it would also ensure increase in agricultural production in areas it is deployed.

Source : africanreview.com