FG, India sign pact for off-grid solar powered system
The Federal Government has signed an agreement with an Indian based electrical firm, Bharat Heavy Electricals to establish an off-grid solar powered system that would provide additional megawatts to the nation’s energy sector.
A statement by the Ministry of Power at the weekend said its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Godknows Igali signed on behalf of the Nigerian Government, while the Secretary, Government of India, Department of Heavy Industry, Dr. Sutanu Behuria signed for Bharat.
According to the ministry, Bharat has been given approval to begin studies for the setting-up of solar based independent projects in selected locations starting with Bida in Niger State.
Igali, shortly after the event, expressed delight at the prospect of the proposed project, saying it will unbundle the enormous potentials in the power sector, assuring the visiting Indians of Nigeria’s open door policy for genuine investors in the sector.
He called for more collaboration between Nigeria and India.
On his part, Behuria expressed his country’s desire to provide funds in various forms for the development of Nigeria’s power sector, assuring that his company has capacity to deliver, having garnered experience from operations in 12 African countries.
[Daily Independent]