Nigerian solar power: World Bank investment

The World Bank is to finance 1,000 solar mini-grids in Nigeria, in partnership with the government, to solve the problem of access to electricity. Currently, the country has a population of over 200 million, but produces only a fraction of its electrical capacity, leaving many households dependent on gasoline and diesel generators.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The World Bank intends to help finance the construction of 1,000 solar mini-grids in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, in partnership with the government and the private sector, the financial institution’s president, Ajay Banga, said on Saturday.

Nigerian Solar Electricity: 1,000 mini-grids to combat lack of access to electricity

Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, has an installed power generation capacity of 12,500 megawatts (MW), but produces only a fraction of this, leaving millions of households and businesses dependent on gasoline and diesel generators. Mini-grids, made up of small-scale power generation units, generally range in size from a few kilowatts to 10 MW, enough to supply some 200 households. Visiting the site of a mini-grid on the outskirts of the capital Abuja, Mr. Banga informed journalists of the construction of around 150 mini-grids, partly financed by the World Bank, to supply communities without access to electricity.

“We’re in the process of building 300 more, but our ambition, with the government, is to go up to 1,000. We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars being invested,” said Mr Banga, without giving a timetable. “The idea is not for the World Bank to be the sole investor. We invest some of the money in the form of grants”.

World Bank data show that 568 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still have no access to electricity. Worldwide, nearly 8 out of 10 people without access to electricity live in Africa.

EDP will accelerate two major solar projects in Australia after securing government-backed contracts under the Capacity Investment Scheme.
Westbrooke Real et son partenaire CVE South Africa ont racheté un portefeuille solaire couvrant 91 stations Shell en Afrique du Sud, marquant un transfert d’actifs majeur dans le secteur énergétique local.
The commissioning of the 195 MW Springbok plant introduces the continent’s first utility-scale multi-buyer model, reinforcing the growth of power wheeling in South Africa.
The consortium led by Engie and Masdar has been selected to develop a 1.5 GW photovoltaic plant in Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding the emirate’s solar capacity under its long-term energy strategy.
T1 Energy invests in private solar cell manufacturer Talon PV to support industrial expansion of the U.S. solar sector and address rising grid demand.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reviewing a loan for a 100 MW photovoltaic project led by Qair in Tunisia, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with the national utility.
French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
Geronimo Power celebrated the near completion of its 125 MW solar farm in Jackson County, marking a major step for the local economy and regional power grid.
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska has received the Final Operational Notification for its Zwartowo photovoltaic facility, marking a key regulatory milestone in the development of large-scale solar projects in Poland.
H.E Energy will develop 100 low-voltage solar facilities totalling 10MWDC in Hokkaido for SMFL Mirai Partners, with commissioning scheduled by June 2026.
Hokkaido Gas has launched a 2MW solar power plant in Kamishihoro, with an expected annual output of 4.4GWh to be distributed locally through energy supplier Karch.
Sembcorp Industries has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 300-megawatt solar plant in India, boosting its renewable energy footprint to a total capacity of 6.9 gigawatts.
Spanish solar energy producers have recorded 693 hours of zero or negative prices since January, already matching the total for the previous year, raising concerns about the sector’s profitability and market stability.
Mars signs a major contract with GoldenPeaks Capital to develop over 100 solar plants in Poland, aiming to power its European operations and supply chain with renewable electricity.
Doral Renewables has signed a power purchase agreement for 75% of the output from its Cold Creek Solar project, expanding its contracted portfolio to over 1.6 GW nationwide.
SNCF Voyageurs secures direct solar electricity supply from two plants owned by Octopus Energy and BayWa r.e., through 25-year agreements aimed at powering its rail network.
The end of China's VAT rebate and reduced output bring an end to eighteen months of historically low prices in solar and storage sectors.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has shortlisted several companies for Phase III of the Al Dibdibah solar plant, with a net capacity of 500 MW.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to examine compensation claims by ACME Solar and AMPIN Energy, citing losses caused by non-operational transmission lines.
Waaree Energies has activated a new 950 MW photovoltaic module production line in Degam, strengthening its industrial investment programme in western India.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.