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Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating access to clean energy in Nigeria. The organization has signed grant agreements with 19 clean energy developers under its Universal Energy Facility (UEF) Stand-Alone Solar for Productive Use (SSPU) programme. These agreements will facilitate the deployment of high-capacity solar and battery storage systems to businesses and institutions across the country.
Joseph Nganga, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting its potential to drive positive change. “By signing these grant agreements, the UEF is truly making a difference by empowering clean energy developers to bring their innovative solutions to life,” Nganga stated.
The deployment of reliable clean electricity to homes, businesses, and institutions is expected to transform daily life in Nigeria. With uninterrupted power, businesses can operate smoothly, essential services like healthcare and education can function effectively, and economic opportunities can be unlocked. Moreover, the removal of harmful petrol and diesel generator sets will contribute to a reduction in indoor air pollution and CO2 emissions.
Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, commended the initiative, emphasizing its role in fostering private sector growth within the energy sector. The signing of the grant agreements reflects the success of policies and capacity-building efforts aimed at advancing the sector over the past decade.
The UEF’s SSPU programme, launched in February 2023, has already made significant strides in improving energy access in Nigeria. Over 1,600 systems have been installed, serving over 1,200 businesses and institutions, including health and educational facilities, in underserved communities.
The SSPU systems deployed under the programme are game-changers, providing a reliable source of electricity and unlocking a range of socio-economic benefits. These systems enable businesses to extend operating hours, utilize equipment more efficiently, and improve product quality, ultimately leading to increased income and job creation.
The event, attended by distinguished guests including representatives from the UN, World Bank, and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, underscored the importance of innovative financing solutions in scaling up clean energy access. Discussions centered on initiatives like the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) and the role of results-based financing in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The transformative impact of the UEF was further illustrated through the story of Ruth Badejo, a fashion designer in Lagos. Ruth’s business has been revolutionized by the installation of a 5kW solar and storage system, providing her with constant, clean energy and improving her service quality. Her experience exemplifies the UEF’s success in empowering small business owners with sustainable energy solutions.
The Universal Energy Facility (UEF) is a multi-donor results-based finance facility established to accelerate energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa. Managed by SEforALL, the UEF provides incentive payments to organizations deploying energy solutions, driving progress towards SDG7 and the Paris Agreement. |
