Empower New Energy, Huawei and Paras Energy open new solar plant in Kano, Nigeria

This week Empower New Energy, Huawei and Paras Energy marked the official opening of a new hybrid new solar and battery installation at UMZA Rice and Oil Mill in Kano, Nigeria.  This will significantly reduce UMZA’s energy costs and improve their operational performance. With this pioneering milestone, Empower and partners will bring affordable solar power to dozens of local businesses in need of reliable, sustainable and affordable energy in the Kano region, as well as boosting the economy and employment opportunities. 

“This first solar and battery investment in Kano is not only important for UMZA but will also result in wider economic and socially benefits for Nigeria's second largest industrial hub”, says CEO of Empower New Energy Terje Osmundsen. 

Official opening of hybrid solar and battery plant  

This week Empower New Energy, a Norwegian company that finances, builds, owns and operates solar power across Africa was present in Kano, Nigeria with partners Paras Energy and Huawei to mark the official opening of the hybrid solar PV and battery plant at UMZA Rice Mill in Kano. Hosted by UMZA Chairman and President of the Kano Rice Mills Organization, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, more than 30 local business leaders as well as representatives of Norwegian Embassy and the Kano Electricity Company (KEDCO) visited UMZA to learn about the solar success story. 

Reliable, affordable and clean electricity  

The rooftop 1 MWp solar and 2.15 MWh battery installation provides reliable, affordable and clean electricity in a region suffering from very unstable power. 

The installation was completed less than a year after the signing of the 10-year contract between Empower New Energy and UMZA to develop, finance, construct and operate the hybrid solar and battery plant. The Nigerian company Paras Energy is responsible for engineering, design, construction and operations of the plant, while Huawei is supplying advanced PV and battery technologies. 

UMZA is leading the way to solar power in Kano region 

UMZA plays an important role in the Kano region, serving as a leading producer of commercial-scale rice cultivation and processing of rice and by-products.  As the demand for rice continues to rise, a reliable and sustainable energy source is critical, enabling the mill to maximize productivity and ensure efficient processing. 

Before UMZA transitioned to solar energy, the company suffered from several hours of power outage per day combined with fluctuations in frequency and voltage levels that damaged operations and resulted in high costs of diesel back-up power. These problems are now solved, thanks to the seamless integration of energy from mainly solar panels, batteries and grid power. 

“We are very satisfied with the operations of the solar and battery plant” said UMZA Chairman Hon. Mohammed Abukabar at the event and added “We hope this pioneering initiative will stimulate many businesses in Kano to go solar”. 

With this investment, UMZA creates vital employment opportunities in the Kano region, which in turn contributes to the local economy and improves livelihoods. 

Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Kano.

Quotes from all partners:

“At Paras Energy, we are dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy solutions that drive progress and preserve our planet. The innovation and installation at UMZA will make a positive impact on the economy, environment and society, enabling UMZA to not only achieve cost savings but also enhance operational efficiency”, says Yashwant Kumar, MD at Paras Energy 

“The solar project demonstrates how integrated battery and solar solutions improve energy reliability, reduce costs and support sustainability at the same time”, says Quan Green, Director for Digital Power, Huawei Nigeria. 

“This partnership marks a significant first step in our mission to provide sustainable energy solutions in the economically important Kano region in Nigeria. By empowering UMZA Rice Mill with solar energy, we are not only enhancing their operations but also contributing to the economic resilience of the local region”, says Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy 

About Empower New Energy: Established in 2017, Empower New Energy is a renewable energy financier and co-developer that finances, builds and owns clean power plants for commercial, industrial, and agricultural energy users across Africa. 

About UMZA International Farms Limited: UMZA is a recognized agricultural, food processing, oil and rice manufacturing company. It is a full-service agriculture commodity trading company with various agricultural and food commodities. 

About Paras Energy: Paras Energy is a diversified and internationally recognized energy company that provides stable and reliable power to customers by generation and distribution of power, providing clean and affordable power solutions to manufacturing industries.  

Huawei Digital Power is a leading global provider of digital power products and solutions. In the clean power generation sector, we help to create new power systems that primarily rely on renewable energy.