The deployment of off-grid solar in Nigeria is enabling millions of people without access to the public grid to have electricity and supporting the government’s carbon neutrality goals by 2060.
The Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and EM-ONE Energy Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and deploy renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 350 MW across the country.
EM-ONE will deploy renewable energy capacity of up to 200 MW at commercial and industrial sites and up to 150 MW for electrifying healthcare facilities.
“We are excited to partner with EM-ONE on this innovative initiative. This collaboration builds on the successes we have already achieved together and underscores our commitment to expanding access to clean and reliable energy for all Nigerians, especially in underserved communities,” said Abba Abubakar Aliyu, CEO of REA.
The partnership will be supported by the $750 million DARES project, recently approved by the Nigerian government and funded by the World Bank. DARES, expected to be launched this year under the REA’s administration, aims to provide over 17.5 million Nigerians with new or improved access to electricity.
Less than a week ago, REA had signed another 250 MW deployment agreement with Husk, which is also part of DARES. In total, these are 600 MW of decentralized renewable energy projects, significantly improving electricity access in Nigeria, where tens of millions of people still lack it.