The Nigerian federal government has granted MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy, Golden Penny Power Limited, and other companies permits to generate mini-grid electricity.
According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), nine new off-grid generation licenses with a gross capacity of 109.69 megawatts were issued in the first quarter of 2024, along with three new trading licenses. MTN received approval to build four captive generation plants with a total capacity of 15.94MW across Lagos State.
Golden Penny Power Limited was also granted a license to build six off-grid gas plants in Oyo, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, with a combined capacity of 100MW. NERC stated, “Captive power generation permits are issued to entities that aim to maintain and own power plants for generating power for consumption and not for sale to a third party.”
Additional companies that received licenses for mini-grids include Daybreak Power Solutions, Auro Nigeria Private Limited, TIS Renewable Energy Limited, Watts Exchange Limited, Centum Dopemu Energy Services Ltd, and DMD Electric Limited in Lagos State. NERC highlighted the importance of renewable energy companies in serving specific geographical locations under the Electricity Act 2023. The commission noted, “Following the satisfactory evaluation of mini-grid applications, NERC issued three mini-grid permits and two registration certificates in 2024/Q1,” the statement concluded.
