Empower New Energy, Huawei, And Paras Energy Launch 1 MW Solar + 2.15 MWh Battery System At UMZA Rice Mill In Kano, Boosting Energy Reliability And Cutting Costs

This week, Empower New Energy, in collaboration with Huawei and Paras Energy, officially inaugurated a new hybrid solar and battery system at UMZA Rice and Oil Mill in Kano, Nigeria. The installation is expected to significantly reduce UMZA’s energy costs while improving the reliability and efficiency of its operations. Beyond benefiting UMZA, this project represents a key milestone in providing affordable, sustainable energy to local businesses in the Kano region, supporting economic growth and creating new employment opportunities.

The opening ceremony was hosted by UMZA Chairman and President of the Kano Rice Mills Organization, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, and attended by more than 30 local business leaders, along with representatives from the Norwegian Embassy and the Kano Electricity Company (KEDCO). The event offered an opportunity for participants to witness firsthand how the hybrid solar and battery system is enhancing energy reliability and efficiency for the mill.

The newly installed system consists of 1 MWp of rooftop solar panels combined with 2.15 MWh of battery storage, providing stable, affordable, and clean electricity in a region where power supply has often been unreliable. The installation was completed in less than a year after Empower New Energy and UMZA signed a 10-year agreement to develop, finance, construct, and operate the hybrid plant. Paras Energy took responsibility for the engineering, design, construction, and ongoing operations, while Huawei supplied the advanced photovoltaic and battery technologies.

UMZA, a leading producer of commercial-scale rice and by-products in the Kano region, relies heavily on a stable energy supply to meet growing demand and maintain efficient production processes. Before the transition to solar energy, the company frequently experienced long power outages, voltage fluctuations, and high costs associated with diesel backup generators. With the integration of solar panels, battery storage, and grid electricity, these challenges have now been resolved, allowing the mill to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Expressing satisfaction with the project, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar said, “We are very pleased with the operations of the solar and battery plant and hope that this pioneering initiative encourages more businesses in Kano to adopt solar energy.”

The partners also shared their perspectives on the impact of the project. Yashwant Kumar, Managing Director at Paras Energy, stated that the installation demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment, while enhancing operational efficiency. Quan Green, Director for Digital Power at Huawei Nigeria, noted that integrating solar and battery systems improves energy reliability, reduces costs, and supports sustainability. Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy, emphasized that the project is a significant step toward providing sustainable energy solutions in Kano and strengthening the economic resilience of the region.