The Universal Energy Facility (UEF) – a results-based financing facility managed by Sustainable Energy for All – has launched a grant scheme for companies to install 3,500 connections for businesses, clinics and schools across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Anita Otubu, Senior Director, Universal Energy Facility, the stand-alone solar for productive use programme in Nigeria will be launched on Thursday.
It said the companies would construct solar projects to connect businesses, schools, clinics and services to a clean, affordable and reliable electricity source. The projects will span most states in Nigeria and be completed within the next 12 months.
“Together, they will connect approximately 3,500 businesses, markets, shopping malls, cold-storage facilities, clinics, schools, and other productive uses of energy, which support economic activity and community infrastructure,” it noted.
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The UEF estimates that approximately 5,400 tons of CO2 equivalent per year would be saved once all of the proposed projects are implemented.
Last year, the Government of Nigeria launched its Energy Transition Plan showing how the country will achieve universal energy access by 2030 and net-zero emissions by mid-century, as well as the finance required to meet these goals.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in his remarks said, “The Universal Energy Facility will provide grant payments to enable solar companies to expand their operations to small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria, while crowding in additional private capital.
“Projects supported by the Universal Energy Facility will help grow businesses and create jobs, making them key contributors to our Energy Transition Plan.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, said, “This Universal Energy Facility programme is a practical demonstration of targeted investment in our power sector and in our overall objective to provide energy access to all Nigerians.”
The Stand-alone Solar for Productive Use programme in Nigeria opened for applications in August 2022 and received expressions of interest from hundreds of energy developers.
“Within just a few months of opening this programme in Nigeria, we are now at the point where grantees have been selected and companies can start building transformative stand-alone solar projects,” said Anita Otubu, Senior Director, Universal Energy Facility.
