Lagos State has set an ambitious target to generate 6 gigawatts of power in the next three years, marking a significant step towards achieving energy independence.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this plan during the Lagos Energy Summit, a three-day event themed “Journey to Energy for All”.
Key Objectives
– Energy Diversification: Reduce reliance on the national grid and promote independent energy sources to support a 24-hour economy.
– Grid Modernisation: Enhance the efficiency and reliability of the state’s power distribution system.
– Regulatory Reforms: Implement policies that attract investors and ensure a self-sufficient energy sector.
Implementation Strategy
To achieve the 6GW target, Lagos State will:
– Pursue Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for gas-fired, grid-scale solar, and captive power generation projects.
– Retrofit 22,000 streetlights across the state to reduce grid pressure and improve energy efficiency.
– Establish an Independent System Operator to manage field operations within the state’s optimized power distribution.
Benefits of the Plan
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, reliable clean energy will:
– Catalyze economic activities and boost industrial growth.
– Lift small businesses to prosperity and energize both formal and informal sectors.
– Allow residents to re-invest resources spent on energy into the economy.
Collaboration and Partnership
The Governor emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, and the media, to achieve the energy-for-all goal. The Lagos Electricity Law, signed into law last December, provides a framework for private investment in public energy infrastructure.