Russian companies are involved in 30 new power projects in Nigeria and 15 other African countries. The projects are expected to generate about 3.7 gigawatts of electricity.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia made the disclosure at the Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum holding in St. Petersburg, Russia.
He listed some of the power projects currently underway in 16 African countries including Nigeria.
“More than 30 ambitious energy projects that involve Russian companies are now underway to varying extents in 16 African countries, with a total capacity of about 3.7 gigawatts. Russia’s RusHydro offers a vast scope of services to African partners, ranging from design and equipment supply to modernisation and construction of new turnkey power generating facilities.
“Russian companies Gazprom, Rosneft, Lukoil, and Zarubezhneft are involved in developing oil and gas fields in Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Republic of the Congo. Over the past two years, Russia’s exports of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas to Africa have seen a 2.6-fold increase. Rosatom, our top nuclear energy company, is building El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt. This state corporation can share its unique expertise with African countries, as well as unparalleled technologies in non-energy peaceful use of atom, such as in healthcare and agriculture”, Putin said.
He recalled that Russian companies had executed power projects worth 4.6 gigawatts on the continent, representing 25 percent of Africa’s hydropower capacity.
According to him, the European company was ready to partner with African states and companies to develop the power sector and boost electricity generation.
He said: “We are also interested in further developing cooperation with African countries in the energy sector. This interaction is based on vast experience. Over many years, Soviet and Russian specialists have been involved in designing and building major power-generating facilities in Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, and other countries on the continent, with a total capacity of 4.6 gigawatts and amounting to 25 per cent of Africa’s hydropower capacity.
“Currently, Russian companies are implementing new mutually beneficial projects that aim to meet African economies’ increasing needs for fuel and generating capacities, and provide Africans with access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and eco-friendly sources of energy”.
While highlighting the importance of promoting deeper cooperation between Russia and Africa in manufacturing, Putin said the continent knew Russia for its industrial goods, including cars, construction equipment, and many other products.
No fewer than 20 African leaders are attending the summit.
Earlier, Putin had said his country would supply free grains to some African countries, saying Russia could replace Ukraine’s grains and fill the gap in the global food supply chain.
