EU,GIZ donates 200kW solar facility to SON

 

By allcitynews.ng 

The European Union has donated a 200kW solar PV power system to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the solar system, the Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the EU and Germany have been working closely with SON to deliver the solar project.

According to him, the EU has been supporting SON to develop innovations that improve energy performance in Nigeria, adding that the donation reflects its continued partnership with the agency.

He noted that SON is a critical partner in domestic trade and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition plan.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Development at the German Embassy, Dr. Karin Jansen, said the commissioning reflects efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to become more resilient.

“Furthermore, NESP provided technical support for the development of 38 standards for solar PV components, contributing to improved product quality, consumer protection, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy market. 

She added that Germany is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the industrial sector.

“We are building strong bridges between both countries, as this facility will help SON verify energy performance standards. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the next phase of Nigeria’s energy future,” she said.

The  Head of Programme, NESP III, Duke Benjamin, said the official commissioning of the 200 kW Solar PV Plant, installed to provide a reliable power supply to the Bioclimatic Testing Chamber for Air Conditioners and other critical testing equipment within the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Laboratory Complex, marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and SON.

"This achievement underscores the commitment of the European Union and Germany to advancing sustainable energy solutions, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a more resilient, energy-secure, and low-carbon future.

"Since the inception of NESP in 2013, our partnership with SON has focused on strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"Through this collaboration, NESP has supported the development and adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners, helping to improve the efficiency of both locally manufactured and imported products.

"Furthermore, NESP provided technical support for the development of 38 standards for solar PV components, contributing to improved product quality, enhanced consumer protection, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy market.

"At GIZ, we often speak about an “integrated approach.” In simple terms, this means that we do not focus solely on equipment or training in isolation. Rather, we work to strengthen the entire ecosystem surrounding these interventions, including institutions, standards, certification pathways, and links to employment opportunities," he said.

He noted that as part of this commitment, GIZ have provided training and accredited certification for SON staff in ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems (EnMS) Lead Auditing and quality testing of solar PV components.

"The commissioning of this 200 kW Solar PV Plant builds on these achievements and further strengthens SON’s capacity to deliver its mandate effectively.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our Nigerian partners, the commissioning parties, and ICEED for making this initiative possible. By working together, we are not only contributing to Nigeria’s economic transformation but also strengthening market systems and advancing a sustainable future for this great nation," he averred.

Earlier, the Director-General of SON, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the project as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between SON and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

“Today’s event represents another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, a collaboration that has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure in support of sustainable energy,” Okeke said.

He noted that the partnership began in 2018 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SON and GIZ for the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards.

According to him, the collaboration has since expanded beyond standards development to include laboratory infrastructure, conformity assessment, capacity building, and support for emerging sectors such as electric mobility.

Okeke disclosed that, with NESP’s support, SON has developed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labelling requirements for key electrical appliances, paving the way for a mandatory energy-labelling scheme.

“This initiative will empower consumers to make informed choices while ensuring that only energy-efficient products gain access to the Nigerian market,” he said.

The SON boss described the establishment of a calorimetric testing chamber for air conditioners as one of the most significant outcomes of the partnership.

“When fully operational, it will be the first facility of its kind in Nigeria and a reference testing centre for the West African sub-region,” he said.

He explained that the newly commissioned solar power system would provide reliable and sustainable energy to operate the specialised testing facility while reducing dependence on diesel generators.

“The solar panel system we are commissioning today is a critical component of that vision. It will provide the reliable and sustainable energy required to power this highly specialised testing facility while significantly reducing dependence on diesel generators and the high cost of alternative power supply,” Okeke stated.

Highlighting the financial benefits, he revealed that SON currently spends about **₦80 million annually on diesel** and approximately **₦6.7 million on electricity**.

“On average, we spend close to ₦80 million on diesel annually and about ₦6.7 million on electricity. This is money we can save by having an alternative energy source,” he said.

“As an agency that is not primarily revenue-generating, whatever money we can save will be very helpful.”

The Director-General said the project demonstrates SON’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible institutional leadership, while aligning with Nigeria’s broader energy transition agenda.

“It aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives and reinforces the role of standards in promoting energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and economic competitiveness,” he said.

Okeke expressed appreciation to the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, GIZ Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Power, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

He added that SON’s long-term goal is to extend alternative energy solutions across all six units of its laboratory complex.

“It is our goal that all six units in the laboratory will have an alternative power supply,” he said.

“As we commission this facility today, we celebrate not only a new energy system but also a successful partnership, a strengthened institution, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the inauguration of the solar power installation marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy development, energy security, industrial competitiveness, climate resilience, and economic transformation.

He commended SON, the European Union, the German Government, GIZ, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and other partners for demonstrating what can be achieved through collaboration between government institutions, development partners, and the private sector.

He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, infrastructure development, industrialisation, economic growth, job creation, and energy security remain central to national development priorities.

The Minister added that the Federal Ministry of Power is implementing reforms to expand electricity access, improve grid reliability, attract private investment, and accelerate renewable energy deployment.

He explained that the 200kW photovoltaic system demonstrates the practical application of renewable energy in powering critical infrastructure.

“Beyond providing clean energy to SON, this facility serves as a model for public institutions across Nigeria. It showcases how government facilities can reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to sustainable national growth,” he said.

He further noted that SON plays a key role in ensuring renewable energy products meet international standards for safety, performance, reliability, and durability.

“This laboratory will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to test, certify, and regulate solar photovoltaic systems, batteries, inverters, energy-efficient appliances, and other clean-energy technologies,” he said.

He concluded that strengthening standards and quality assurance systems will support market growth and increase investor confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the solar PV system will improve product testing and certification processes, reduce regulatory bottlenecks, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.

He noted that reliable power supply is critical for SON’s conformity assessment operations and the efficiency of the country’s quality infrastructure.

According to him, the project will reduce downtime, shorten certification turnaround time, and improve transparency in regulatory processes.

He added that this will translate into faster market access, lower compliance costs, and increased confidence in Nigeria’s standards framework for manufacturers, importers, and assemblers.

Ajayi-Kadir said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda, supporting local value addition, import substitution, export expansion, job creation, and sustainable growth.

The project was delivered under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP III), a collaboration involving SON, the European Union, the German Government, and GIZ.

He commended NESP for its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem through policy support, capacity building, and market development.

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