EU, PLATEAU STATE COLLABORATE ON HYDROPOWER PROJECT. (PHOTO).

 EU, Plateau State Collaborate on Hydropower Project

To address the ongoing energy crisis, the European Union has announced a partnership with the Plateau State government to explore small hydropower generation.

The Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, revealed this on Monday during an assessment visit to Assop Falls, a site estimated to have the potential to generate around 2MW of electricity.

Stefanowicz emphasized the EU’s collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Power to diversify electricity generation by incorporating small hydropower solutions. This initiative aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy for Plateau State, supporting agro-processing activities and economic growth.

She also stated that the EU is working with the state government and relevant stakeholders to assess the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the project.

Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, disclosed that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which is overseeing the project on behalf of the EU, is conducting a feasibility study. "Preliminary data collection has been completed, and a design plan is underway to determine the site’s full energy capacity," he noted.

Gamde further highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating that improved electricity supply would enhance cultural activities and prevent disruptions caused by power shortages.

A Plateau State House of Assembly member, Owen Dagogot, expressed strong support, stating that the site would be fully utilized to maximize its benefits.

Director of Technical Services at the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Sam Yakubu, noted that while hydropower projects typically take time, this one could be completed within two to three years due to the site’s favorable layout.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Dina Temitope, emphasized the project’s alignment with Nigeria’s Vision 30:30, which aims to generate 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30% derived from renewable sources.

EU Programme Manager for Energy and Circular Economy, Godfrey Ogbemudia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the investment delivers long-term benefits.

Meanwhile, GIZ’s Head of Sustainable Energy Access, Eckhard Heine, stressed the importance of collaboration with Nigeria’s electricity regulatory authorities to effectively implement the project.

Technical Adviser at GIZ, Alexander Akolo, added that Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang recently enacted a State Electricity Law, which could be further refined with additional support, including the development of a mini-grid policy.