Borno State Government officials returned from China with an idea to combat the ongoing energy problem throughout the region: solar power generators.
Nigeria has set a lofty goal of being one of the top 20 economies by 2020, and while the country is abundant in resources, progression appears to some as stagnant or barely noticeable. The Federal Government has placed power and transportation on top of the priority list, but many states have decided to act independently. Some have either introduced or are planning to initiate independent power projects (IPPs) in order to move forward. The Borno State Government sent officials to China to gain more insight as to how to strengthen these areas. The delegation met with Chinese firm Himin Solar Energy Group Factory, which carries the motto “creating a new era of green lighting.”
Himin representatives gave Nigerian officials insight into their business as the Chinese company is the only one in the solar energy field to have won “three championships” including the Chinese honorable trademark, the Chinese famous brand, and the free inspection products mention. In 2004, the trademark of Himin was worth 5.13 billion RMB. The annual coverage area of Himin’s solar water heater has reached two million square meters, being equal to 800 megawatt. Main products created by Himin are the solar vacuum tube, solar water heater, warm-screen and low-e glass, solar module, solar lamp.
Nancy Brain Mbaya, special adviser to BornoState governor said that the trip revealed the state’s potential to have solar-powered generating systems as Himin would be able to bring the technology to the region. She also said the next step would be to invite officials from that company to see the rural areas and offer suggestions that would help the government search for an answer to cost-efficient practices in the renewable/alternative sector.
Meanwhile, Nigerian satellite NIGCOMSAT-1, launched by China to provide phone, broadband internet, and broadcasting to rural areas, recently went offline as a result of a solar wing malfunction.
The cost of the satellite, built by China Great Wall Industry Corp., is estimated at $256 million. Initially, China contributed $200 million while the Nigerian Federal Government paid the remainder.
