FG to increase power generation through solar energy

The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja said it would intensify efforts to increase power generation through solar energy.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made the statement when he visited NASENI Solar Energy Ltd .
He said such efforts would promote productivity and encourage more investors to come in to the country.
Onu said the ministry would facilitate access to the 85 per cent offer from China for the approval of the 15 per cent counterpart funding to guarantee local production of Solar Cells in Nigeria.
“This will facilitate advance research, drastically reduce the cost of solar power installation and increase clean energy local content in the power sector.
Onu promised that the ministry would make a strong case for the patronage of NASENI Solar Energy Ltd.
Earlier, Prof. Sani Haruna, the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said the objective of setting up the company was to inject local content in the power sector .
The objective also includes developing and demonstrating local capacity; creating business; generating revenue and building capacity in renewable energy generally.
In another development, Onu urged stakeholders in the nation to intensify effort to advance science, technology and innovation.
The minister gave the advice when he donated science kits to Government College, Keffi, Nasarrawa State.
He added that no nation achieved greatness without science and technology.
The Principal of the school, Mr Sharaki Muhammed, commended the minister for the gift and words of encouragement.