The Katsina State Government has forged a $500 million renewable energy partnership with Genesis Energy Group to expand and hybridize its long‑idle Lambar Rimi wind farm and develop new clean‑energy assets.
Governor Dikko Radda announced the landmark agreement during discussions with the Federal Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja.
Under the deal, the state will take over the 10 MW wind facility first contracted in 2005 and re‑tendered to France’s Vergnet SA in 2009 and integrate additional solar capacity to create a hybrid power plant. Sixty percent of the funding has already been secured through grants from the French Treasury and Oceans Solutions Energie.
“The partnership with Genesis Energy will deliver sustainable power solutions, generate local jobs, and bolster our economic resilience,” Governor Radda said, noting that this stands among the largest private‑sector clean‑energy investments in Northern Nigeria.
Beyond the wind‑solar hybridization, Katsina has also signed an agreement with Oceans Solutions Energie to pilot a 1 MW hydroelectric installation at Danja Dam. The state has simultaneously rolled out several decentralized solar projects across key public institutions.
At the Government House, a one‑megawatt photovoltaic mini‑grid linked to a one‑megawatt‑hour battery energy storage system now ensures uninterrupted power supply. Similarly, the State Secretariat benefits from a one‑megawatt mini‑grid with 600 kilowatt‑hours of battery storage, while Katsina General Hospital is supported by a 250 kilowatt solar array coupled with 300 kilowatt‑hours of battery capacity, guaranteeing reliable electricity for critical healthcare services. To improve safety and reduce emissions, over 500 kilowatts of solar‑powered streetlights have been installed along 100 kilometers of major roads.
Further embracing green mobility, the governor secured approval for the procurement of 500 electric tricycles, underscoring the administration’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions.
Minister Adelabu praised Katsina’s “visionary” approach, emphasizing that the Electricity Act 2023 empowers sub‑national governments to spearhead electrification within their jurisdictions.
He affirmed that these initiatives are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes universal and sustainable energy access as a catalyst for economic growth.
However, the federal government has pledged full support for a seamless concession of the wind farm and collaboration on scaling up electricity delivery to meet the state’s expanding needs.
