Forte Oil boosts green energy with solar power alternative

Leading indigenous energy firm, Forte Oil Plc, has launched a novel alternative solar energy solution, called the “Green Energy,” which is meant to bridge the power gap among the low and medium income earners in Nigeria The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, said at the launch that Forte Oil is the “foremost integrated energy provider with footprints in upstream, downstream and power generation.” He noted that the newly launched solar energy is customised at reduced cost to meet the demands of Nigerians, thereby supporting the economy and alleviating poverty, adding: “We always look for formidable partners to bring our vision to life. “We sat with them to create bespoke solutions and achieve a sustainable, reliable and cost-effective solar solution. The solution is mobile, cost-effective and devoid of service charge. We will design an array of energy solutions.” Also, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Julius Omodayo-Owotuga, explained that the solar energy solution targets the medium income group, which relies on generators for power, adding that the product comes with four panels, four 100 amps and 12 volts batteries with free installations. According to him, the 1.5kva solar panel, which costs about N1.5 million in the market, was given out at N700,000 per unit to wholesalers, also at discounted rate, depending on the number units purchased. He said the product has a year warranty while the panels have four to five-year lifespan, and could last for 12 hours, depending on equipment being used. Omodayo-Owotuga added: “It was designed for Nigerian atmosphere, and with quality materials. It is “targeted at low and medium income people of the society in addressing the challenges of pollution from (power) generating sets. We are partnering various housing estate managements, builders and accredited engineers to assist in eradicating power challenges in Nigeria through renewable energy.” On his part, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo, said the partnership comes at a time the Lagos government is targeting 3,000mw off grid, independent of Niger Delta gas. Describing it as complementary to efforts at lighting Lagos, Oluwo assured of government’s support, adding: “We will key into the solar energy solution, which is very vital to our programme, and now that Forte Oil has put its brand to solar, we are now sure that we have a reliable partner in solar energy.”