Golden Penny Power Limited, MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy, and other parties have gotten permits for mini-grid electricity generation from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Permission was granted to MTN to build four 15.94MW captive power plants in Lagos.

NERC stated that, three new trade licenses and nine new off-grid generation licenses, totalling 109.69 megawatts, were given out in the first quarter of 2024.

A commission report stated that the Golden Penny Power Limited was granted permission to construct six off-grid gas plants in the states of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Cross River.

There is a 100MW overall capacity.

Additionally, The Punch reported that MTN was given permission to construct four 15.94MW captive power plants spread around Lagos State.

Apart from MTN, these following companies were allowed to produce captive power: Armilo Plastics Limited, West African Ceramics Limited, African Steel Mills Nigeria Limited, SweetCo Foods Limited, and Royal Engineered Stones Limited.

“Captive power generation permits are issued to entities that aim to own and maintain power plants for generating power for consumption and not for sale to a third party. The commission issued nine captive power generation permits in 2024/Q1 with a total nameplate capacity of 52.57MW."

More companies to generate electricity

Other licensed companies for mini-grids are Daybreak Power Solutions, TIS Renewable Energy Limited, Auro Nigeria Private Limited, Watts Exchange Limited, Centum Dopemu Energy Services Ltd, DMD Electric Limited Lagos State.

The commission disclosed that it issues registration certificates to a mini-grid developer for one or more systems with distribution capacity below 100kW.

“Following the satisfactory evaluation of mini-grid applications, the commission issued three mini-grid permits and two registration certificates in 2024/Q1.” the NERC stated.

During the period under review, NERC stated that it certified six Meter Service Providers, including four meter installers and two meter manufacturers.