Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a significant agreement with Lagos-based renewables developer Oando Clean Energy for a 1.2-gigawatt (GW) solar assembly project, marking a major milestone in the country’s push for sustainable energy solutions.
The ambitious initiative, as outlined in a statement on REA’s official website, will encompass the construction of an off-grid power plant, mesh electricity generation, an interconnected power grid, and a solar manufacturing power plant.
The project is expected to play a crucial role in expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Oando Clean Energy’s President and CEO, Ademola Ogunbanjo, confirmed that the company will roll out the first 600-megawatt (MW) production line next year.
Ogunbanjo further emphasized that the facility would be Africa’s first solar modular assembly plant with a dedicated recycling line, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation.
The project is a key component of the $950 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) initiative, funded by the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The DARES program aims to stimulate local manufacturing of solar components, enhance electricity access for 17.5 million Nigerians, and transform the country into a “renewables hub.”
REA’s agreement with Oando Clean Energy is part of a broader strategy involving nine companies that will contribute to the execution of the DARES project.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, REA Managing Director Abubakar Abba Aliyu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s renewable energy future.
He also announced plans to finalize a joint development agreement with Infracorp and the Ministry of Finance for an additional 1 GW solar panel assembly plant in the coming weeks.
This latest deal follows the groundbreaking of a solar module assembly plant in Enugu State in July 2024, signaling an accelerated pace in Nigeria’s solar energy expansion.
The government’s commitment to sustainable power solutions is further demonstrated by REA’s recent launch of an operations and maintenance tender for seven hybrid solar plants, with applications open until April 28.
The drive towards solar energy aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy diversification agenda, aimed at addressing the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
With nearly 85 million Nigerians lacking access to reliable electricity, large-scale renewable energy projects like the DARES initiative could significantly enhance the nation’s energy security and economic growth.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s renewable energy sector, the partnership between REA and Oando Clean Energy represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and electrified future.
The success of the 1.2 GW solar project could pave the way for further investments and innovations in the renewable energy landscape, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
