Transcorp Power Limited has taken the alternative energy discussion a step further by partnering with ENGIE Group and Covenant University to explore solar energy generation and utilisation in Nigeria. This event took place at the official visit of Transcorp and ENGIE Group on “Interactive Engagement for Solar Power Generation & Utilisation” at the Covenant University on February 10th, 2017.
With a long-term goal of generating at least 25% of Nigeria’s total power, Transcorp Power Limited has long discussed alternative power sources as a solution to Nigeria’s power supply issues. Therefore, it was a great opportunity to collaborate with an institution focused on academic and research excellence, Covenant University, and a leading enterprise in alternative energy, ENGIE, in finding ways to adopt solar energy as an alternative source of energy in Nigeria.
Present at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Power Limited, Mr Kalyana Sundaram expressed the company’s commitment to improving the state of the power sector in Nigeria. He said, “Successful integration of solar as a viable power option for Nigerians would lower the burden on a strained national grid, improve the standard of living and boost socio-economic development. This is indeed a good development for the power sector in Nigeria”.
Also speaking on the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Atayero, shared that the University had gone through many phases in its desire to find a permanent solution to its power needs and currently generates its own power using a turbine, but is looking to shift to sustainable energy. He views the partnership proposal by Transcorp Power as timely proof that the university is heading in the right direction, while also noting the tremendous opportunity the partnership presents for the institution’s engineering students to learn from the power company.
Isabelle Kocher, CEO, ENGIE Group and Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Transcorp Plc and Heirs Holdings
ENGIE Group CEO, Isabelle Kocher, had earlier described the energy sector as one experiencing a revolution where technology, innovation and the collective consciousness of environmental challenges make it possible to implement solutions that bring hope to humanity. The implementation of its strategy to position the ENGIE Group at the forefront of the energy revolution began in 2016. This collaboration is one of its ways of leading the conversation in alternative energy.
The milestone event has been lauded by the Chairman of Transcorp Plc and Heirs Holdings Ltd., Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, as a step in the right direction. A few weeks ago, Mr. Elumelu advocated for the progress of the power sector at a National Assembly gathering.
“The most critical transformation agenda for Nigeria is power. If we fix power, we fix Nigeria,” he said.
Also part of the Transcorp entourage were its Head of Business Development, Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe, Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ibikunle Oriola and Project Head, Mr. Funto Amire. Other representatives of Covenant University at the meeting were the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Aboyade; Dean College of Engineering , Professor Christian Bolu; Director, Vice-Chancellor’ s Office, Dr. David Omole; and Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Igbah.