Israel kickstarts plan to build 800 megawatt trans-boundary green energy projects in the ECOWAS sub-region to enhance economic growth.
Mr Guy Feldman, Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja by Ms Zanswat Bowsan, Press Officer of the Israel Embassy.
According Feldman, an Israel company “Gigawatt Global” signed the deal with ECOWAS, to build renewable projects worth one billion dollars in the sub-region.
“The West African Power Pool (WAPP) has entered into a landmark strategic relationship with an Israeli company, Gigawatt Global.
“This MOU signed with WAPP, is a powerful metaphor to the West and the rest of Africa.
“It paves the way for future Israeli innovation, which when joined by visionaries and institutions can challenge anything and create hope for all,” Feldman said.
He explained that the initiative was conceived by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, on June 5, 2017 in Liberia, in the bid to strengthen Israel ties with Africa.
Feldman said that already, he held a meeting with stakeholders in the African energy sector to explore solar fields in 10 African countries
He identified the stakeholders to include ECOWAS Energy Commissioner, Mr Meba Essohouna; Head of the West African Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Morlaye Bangoura and Mr Josef Abramowitz, Gigawatt Global CEO.
“The deal will build the West Africa Power Pool and create a regional electricity system.
“The deal builds on an agreement inked by the U.S. and Israel, Dec. 4, 2017, where the two governments pledged to work together to reduce energy deficit in Africa,” it added. (NAN)
