Joseph Bakare
Efforts to establish a floating solar power project in Niger State has commenced with Granville Energy, a leading African energy technology company, and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), Nigeria’s largest hydropower generation company, endorsing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The move will lead to the development of a groundbreaking 1 GW floating solar power project, beginning with a 100 MW pilot phase at the historic Kainji Hydropower Plant in Niger State.
This landmark collaboration will mark Africa’s largest floating solar initiative, positioning Nigeria as a pioneer in renewable innovation and accelerating the continent’s transition to sustainable energy. By combining MESL’s expertise in hydropower operations with Granville Energy’s advanced solar and storage technologies, the project will unlock new capacity, strengthen grid reliability, and support Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
The first phase, a 100 MW floating solar installation, will serve as a milestone deployment on Kainji Hydropower Plant reservoir, demonstrating the economic and technical viability of large-scale floating solar in West Africa. The project is designed to scale up to 1 GW, delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective power while maximising existing hydropower infrastructure.
Tabi T. Tabi, CEO of Granville Energy, said, “This partnership is not just about solar panels on water, it’s about building Africa’s energy future. Starting with 100 MW at Kainji Dam and scaling to 1 GW, we are demonstrating that African solutions, powered by African innovation, can deliver the clean energy the continent urgently needs.”
Engr. Lamu Audu, CEO of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, said, “Kainji Hydropower Plant has been a backbone of Nigeria’s power sector for decades since commissioning in 1968. By introducing floating solar technology alongside modernised hydropower plant, we are unlocking new capacity, improving reliability, and setting Nigeria on course to lead Africa in renewable energy integration.”