Firm to Establish Power Project in Plateau Rural Community

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A multinational firm, CT Cosmos Nigeria Ltd, has indicated interest to establish a massive solar power project of over $150 million in Panyam community in Mangu local government area of Plateau state.

Chief Operating Officer of CT Cosmos, Mr. Henry Opara, who led a company delegation to meet with the community at the monarch’s palace, noted that the over 70 megawatts that would be generated by the solar plant would be sufficient to sustain Plateau and neighbouring states when completed.

Opara said, “Presently, we’ve gotten the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) licence, and we’ve been shortlisted for Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Bulk Energy Purchase Company of Nigeria; the working tools we’ve been awaiting for final take-off to the site. Once the PPA gets to our hands we would then put a timeline on how to progress with the work, stage by stage.

“Because of the high cost of the project, foreign investors are involved; and what they are just waiting for is just the paper from government, and thereafter I believe before the end of this year the project should have taken off. Total period for the completion and kick should not be longer than 18 months.

He noted that “though the federal government is involved in the project, it is not funding it; it is a private company initiative. At the end of the day the power will be directed to the National grid and will be sold to the Federal government.”

Opara said CT Cosmos, a subsidiary of Communication Towers Ltd has chosen a technical partner in Siemens, a leading supplier of system for power generation and transmission, for the execution of the solar photovoltaic (PV) project due to the company’s proven expertise in delivering high quality solutions, technical support and services.
He said the Solar Farm, which is expected to be completed in about 18 months, will cover a land space of about 103 hectares, where the solar radiation is excellent, and will add-up to Nigeria’s efforts to generate needed power to its citizenry.

Enumerating its many benefits to the Panyam community, Opara said the project would bring the community to the world map, provide employment opportunities to the youths that have the capacity, and would take off hazardous CO2 from the air in the community, providing healthy air for the people.

The Traditional Ruler of the community, Mishkaham Panyam, Engr. Aminu Derwam, who was delighted over the intention of the investor, enlightened his subjects on the many benefits accruing to them as host community for the multi-billion Naira project.

Flanked by his chiefs, including a former member of House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Jonathan, the monarch said he facilitated the meeting of the company with the original land-owners in the spirit of transparency so that the company could confirm to the land-owners what they are paying as compensation.