The European Union has announced a funding initiative to the tune of €2,080,000 each in five Nigerian states as part of efforts to accelerate renewable energy adoption across Nigeria.
Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholder Engagement Expert and Technical Assistant for Nigeria Solar for Health Project, disclosed this while giving the overview of at a Project Developers Roundtable Workshop which held in Abuja.
He said the amount which when put together amounts to €10.4 Million, represents 70 per cent funding of the project while each of the benefiting state governments would contribute 30 per cent approximately €624,000 in equivalent local currency, and developers provide additional resources ensuring a robust financial foundation for the successful implementation of the initiatives.
According to him, the project which involves a tripartite partnership between the European Union, state governments, and private developers combined funding model underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering green energy solutions while encouraging local ownership and investment.
He said that states must escrow their funds upfront, establish steering committees, and ensure transparent fund management, while developer are to provide metering systems, remote monitoring, installation, operations, maintenance, and community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.
Benefiting states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Ogun, and Enugu, with 4 more states recently expressing interest, he said.
“Approximately 100 primary health centers and 375 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be electrified across these states.
“Each state will receive about 500 kWp of solar PV capacity with battery banks designed for 2-3 days of autonomy, eliminating the need for diesel generators.
“Over 100 personnel have been trained in energy audits and health outcome assessments to support project implementation. Systems are spread across local government areas to ensure wide coverage. Sites are selected based on nearby businesses to guarantee demand and sustainability. These factors ensure system longevity and impact” he added.
He noted that the next tasks ahead are to finalize site selection and energy audits by end of June 2025, Detailed system design and facility retrofitting in June-July 2025, Procurement, shipping, installation, and baseline surveys and Long-term operations and maintenance agreements to ensure sustainability.
