EU, GIZ donates 200kW solar facility to SON

The European Union (EU) has provided a significant boost to Nigeria's energy infrastructure with the donation of a 200kW solar photovoltaic power system to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The handover ceremony in Lagos highlighted the collaborative efforts between the EU and Germany in supporting SON's development.

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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.

Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the EU's ongoing commitment to SON, stating that the donation reflects a continued partnership aimed at fostering innovations that enhance energy performance in Nigeria. He affirmed SON's crucial role in domestic trade and reiterated the EU's dedication to aiding Nigeria's energy transition.

Dr. Karin Jansen, Head of Development at the German Embassy, noted that the project contributes to creating a more resilient business environment. She described the solar facility as a means to strengthen the next phase of Nigeria's energy future and build strong bilateral ties. The system will enable SON to verify energy performance standards more effectively.

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

SON Director-General, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, hailed the project as a milestone in the partnership between SON and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), a collaboration that began in 2018. This partnership has expanded beyond standards development to encompass laboratory infrastructure, conformity assessment, capacity building, and support for emerging sectors like electric mobility.

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On average, we spend close to N80 million on diesel annually and about N6.7 million on electricity. This is money we can save by having an alternative energy source.

Okeke highlighted the tangible financial benefits, estimating annual savings of approximately 80 million naira on diesel and 6.7 million naira on electricity. "As an agency that is not primarily revenue-generating, whatever money we can save will be very helpful," he stated. The facility is expected to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and serve as a reference testing center for the West African sub-region. SON has already developed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labeling requirements for key appliances with NESP's support, paving the way for a mandatory energy-labeling scheme to empower consumer choice and ensure energy-efficient products enter the market.

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