Nigeria Signs 100 MW Floating Solar Deal

Key Figures & Findings: Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) has signed an agreement with South Africa’s Granville Energy to design, build, finance, and operate a 100 MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro facility in Nigeria. The project will pioneer large-scale floating solar deployment in the country, adding renewable capacity directly to the national grid. Both companies highlighted the plant’s role in supporting clean energy, economic growth, and water conservation through reduced reservoir evaporation.

Statistics & Insights: The initial 100 MW phase is part of a larger plan to scale up to 1,000 MW (1 GW) of floating solar at Kainji. Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency noted that this project is among the few significant renewable additions to the grid, alongside 450 MW Azura and 700 MW Zungeru. The REA is also developing 188.4 MW of interconnected mini-grids, with floating solar pilots, including at the University of Lagos lagoon.

Future Implications: If successfully executed, the Kainji project could mark Nigeria’s entry into utility-scale floating solar, diversifying the grid, cutting carbon emissions, and strengthening energy-water security. Scaling to 1 GW would position Nigeria among Africa’s leaders in hybrid renewable innovation.

Source: BusinessDay

Quick Take: Nigeria’s Kainji dam to host 100 MW floating solar, a first step in a 1 GW hybrid clean energy vision.