The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has granted permits to MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, Golden Penny Power Limited, Havenhill Synergy, and several other companies for mini-grid electricity generation.
In the first quarter of 2024, NERC issued nine new off-grid generation licenses with a combined capacity of 109.69 megawatts, along with three new trading licenses.
MTN has received approval to develop four captive generation plants in Lagos State, totaling 15.94 megawatts. Other companies, including SweetCo Foods Limited, African Steel Mills Nigeria Limited, West African Ceramics Limited, Royal Engineered Stones Limited, and Armilo Plastics Limited, have also been authorized for captive power generation.
Golden Penny Power Limited is set to build six off-grid gas plants across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Cross River states, with a total capacity of 100 megawatts.
The permits issued are aimed at entities that intend to operate power plants for their own consumption rather than selling to third parties. The commission granted nine such permits in Q1 2024, totaling 52.57 megawatts in capacity.
Additional mini-grid licenses were awarded to companies including Daybreak Power Solutions, TIS Renewable Energy Limited, Auro Nigeria Private Limited, Watts Exchange Limited, Centum Dopemu Energy Services Ltd, and DMD Electric Limited in Lagos State.
Under Section 165(1)(m) of the Electricity Act 2023, NERC has continued to support the development of renewable energy by issuing permits for mini-grid systems with distribution capacities above 100 kilowatts and generation capacities up to 1 megawatt. In Q1 2024, three mini-grid permits and two registration certificates were issued for new developments.
News Editor 
Hyelsinta Hassan