Historical Context of Energy in Katsina State

1. National Framework for Power and Energy in Nigeria:
   • The development of electricity in Nigeria began in 1896 with the first generating plant in Lagos, but significant institutional changes occurred post-independence. The Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was established in 1951, followed by the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) in 1962, which merged in 1972 to form the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). NEPA was later restructured into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in the 2000s and privatized in 2013, leading to the creation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and various generation and distribution companies (DisCos and GenCos).
   • The Federal Ministry of Power, established to oversee electricity provision nationwide, operates under policies like the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP) of 2001, the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act of 2005, and the Electricity Act of 2023. These policies guide electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, including in Katsina State.
2. Katsina State's Energy Landscape:
   • Katsina State, created in 1987 from Kaduna State, is part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone and relies heavily on agriculture, with energy playing a critical role in supporting irrigation, small businesses, and households.
   • The state faces significant energy challenges, particularly in rural areas, where access to reliable electricity is limited, hampering socio-economic development. To address this, Katsina has pursued renewable energy projects to complement the national grid, which is managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and distributed locally through the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
3. Key Energy Projects in Katsina State:
   • Katsina Wind Farm: A notable project is the 10 MW wind farm in Katsina, completed in early 2021. Located in the northern part of the state, it consists of 37 GEV MP 275kW turbines. Initiated in 2005, this project marked a step toward diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix with wind power, though it has faced challenges, including periods of dormancy. Plans to revamp the wind farm were announced in 2024 to enhance its contribution to the state’s energy needs.
   • Pan African Solar Power Project: This solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Kankia, approximately 60 km from Katsina’s capital, was developed by JCM Capital and Pan Africa Solar Limited. It has a capacity of 96.24 MWp (up to 80 MW AC) and is connected to the 132kV TCN grid. The project, highlighted in 2019, aims to provide sustainable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
   • Hydroelectric and Solar Initiatives: In 2024, Katsina State announced plans to build a hydroelectric power station and a solar plant to support irrigation systems, water treatment plants, and rural communities. These projects aim to address the state’s energy deficit and promote agricultural productivity.
   • State Investments in Energy: In 2025, the Katsina State Executive Council approved over ₦1 billion for projects, including a one-megawatt generator to improve electricity generation and distribution. This aligns with Governor Dikko Radda’s vision for an energy-resilient state, with excess power to be transmitted through KEDCO to surrounding communities.
4. Collaboration with Federal Agencies:
   • Katsina State has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to scale up energy access, particularly through decentralized solar power projects. A 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the REA and Katsina State Government facilitated partnerships with Renewable Service Companies (RESCOs) to deploy solar infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
   • The state’s energy initiatives are supported by federal policies, such as the Rural Electrification Implementation Strategy Plan of 2016, which emphasizes off-grid and renewable solutions to address Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages.
5. Challenges and Developments:
   • Katsina, like much of Nigeria, faces challenges such as insufficient grid infrastructure, vandalism of transmission installations, and reliance on gas-fired plants, which account for 80% of Nigeria’s power generation. The state’s renewable energy projects aim to mitigate these issues by leveraging its solar and wind potential.
   • The state’s energy strategy aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, targeting a 20% unconditional and 45% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with a focus on renewable energy development.