Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) has signed an agreement with South Africa’s Granville Energy (Pty) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100-MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydroelectric facility in Nigeria. The project represents a major step toward diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix through hybrid renewable generation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Sani Bello, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MESL, said the initiative is central to the company’s goal of transforming Nigeria’s power landscape. “We are proud to partner with Granville Energy to develop a 100-MW floating solar plant at Kainji. This pioneer project embodies our commitment to expanding generation capacity while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions,” he said.

Bello added that the project aligns with MESL’s mission to power Nigeria’s economic growth responsibly and reflects its ongoing focus on renewable energy and corporate sustainability. Once operational, the plant will deliver clean, reliable electricity to thousands of homes and businesses across the country.

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), commended the partnership, noting that Nigeria still has the world’s largest population without access to electricity, most of them in rural and peri-urban areas. He said distributed renewable energy remains the most cost-effective solution for expanding access and that injecting 100 MW of new solar capacity into the national grid is a significant milestone.

“For us, this project represents a meaningful increase in Nigeria’s renewable energy mix,” Aliyu said. “Apart from major projects like Azura and Zungeru, we have not seen large-scale renewable additions to the grid. The floating solar model at Kainji is innovative and should be encouraged.” He urged the developers to ensure the project includes its own distribution network, SCADA system, and full metering to enhance commercial viability.

Tabi T. Tabi, CEO of Granville Energy, said the memorandum of understanding commits both companies to developing the Kainji Floating Solar Plant, which is ultimately planned to reach 1,000 MW (1 GW) in total capacity. “Our immediate focus is on the rapid deployment of the first 100 MW phase,” he said. “This multi-gigawatt vision is a testament to what is possible when two African giants, Nigeria and South Africa, collaborate.”

He explained that installing solar panels on the surface of the Kainji reservoir will create a hybrid system that combines solar generation, hydro power, and battery energy storage to deliver stable output to the national grid. “Floating solar is also a win for water management,” he said. “By covering a section of the reservoir, we reduce water evaporation—an important benefit for a country balancing energy production with agricultural and domestic needs.”

Website	https://nbet.com.ng/
Domicile	Nigeria
Countries Active	-
Organization Type	Off-taker

Project	MW	Role	Amount	Status



Full Data Is for MembersSee Pricing

Update	Date

Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET)

Projects

News Updates