A private renewable energy firm, Kodion Energy (Kodion Consulting), with offices in Kansas City, Missouri, Nigeria, and China, has vowed that in its bid to generate and supply off-grid electricity, it will be creating 100 direct and 150 indirect jobs per Mega Watt (MW).
Addressing reporters in a virtual interview at the weekend, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Joshua Okorie, said the company’s impacts transcend energising communities to empowering them.
His words: “But our impact extends beyond electricity. By creating over 100 direct and 150 indirect jobs per megawatt of solar power, we will not just be powering cities but also empowering communities.”
He insisted that providing stable, clean and affordable electricity in Nigeria is possible.
The CEO blamed Nigeria’s lingering electricity challenge on the country’s lack of technical know-how to build transformers.
Wondering why there is energy deficit in the country, he said the firm has analysed the issues with national grid.
“The problem is simple: Nigeria doesn’t have the technical know-how and infrastructure know-how on how to manage energy or power,” he said.
Korie noted that the solution to the nation’s energy shortage is in solar, wind, and nuclear.
He said: “The solution to this problem in Africa and Nigeria, to be precise, is solar, wind and nuclear.”
Asked what is stopping him from coming to develop renewable energy in Nigeria, the CEO said: “What is stopping me is what is stopping a lot of people from coming to Nigeria: who do you know?”
He blamed bottlenecks and bureaucracy for delay of localisation of business in Nigeria.
“Also, the politics in Nigeria is too much. How can you navigate the politics?” Korie asked.
The CEO, who already has his office in Umuahia, said the firm is seeking further investment in the venture.
He added: “We built the biggest transformer in the U.S. In Nigeria, we have built transformers up to 250KVA… Currently, most transformers are 50KVA to 100 high voltage, depending on where you are.
“Right now, we are building a 25 and 50KV to power Umuahia. Our office is in Umuahia, we don’t have a factory yet. We need a factory in Enugu to power our things that we need to build our transformers.”
According to him, the transformers built in Umuahia has been shipped to the U.S for testing.
Okorie said now that the 2023 Electricity Act is in force, the firm will reach out to state governments, local government chairmen for partnership for the ability to fund the idea.
The CEO added that “The government should be willing to bring home the companies that have solutions. But the average man knows nobody. We need to invite the government to work with us.”
He sought the deployment of smart meters and eradication of energy theft for a sustainable electricity market in the country.
Read Also: Adelabu summons AEDC, IBEDC, TCN over poor electricity supply
Asked what exactly what he wants from the government, he said “investment.”
Driving home advantage of solar energy over thermal plants, he said solar is far cheaper to build and manage.
He recommended off-grid solution to the nation’s energy challenge, stressing “Nigeria will never work with national grid.”
He revealed that no firm builds transformer and hardwares in the country at the moment even as there is presently a global transformer shortage.
According to him, the firm is commitment to local fabrication and skill development ensures that its projects will deliver
electricity and drive economic growth and development.
He also noted that the firm’s technology is not just about power, but also about sustainability.
Okorie said by harnessing renewable energy, the firm will reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and pave the way for a greener, cleaner future.
The CEO revealed that already, the company’s projects qualify for carbon credits, unlocking additional funding and opportunities for Nigeria on the global stage.
He said he is out to present a solution—one “that not only addresses the challenges we face but also propels Nigeria into a leadership role in solar and clean energy.”
According to him, Nigeria, with its vast potential, rich resources, and resilient people, has long been poised to become a leader in renewable energy.