Solar-hybrid microgrids developer, Husk Power Systems, has announced the launch of its Nigeria Sunshot Initiative, through which the company plans to deploy at least 500 microgrids by 2026.
Husk expects to connect 400,000 households through the systems, providing power to close to 2 million people in the West African country.
The initiative consists of a three-part strategy that includes; “1) demonstrating accelerated microgrid deployment at scale, 2) improving livelihoods by providing financing for the purchase of energy efficiency appliances (for both households and MSMEs) and 3) catalysing greater local socio-economic development by rolling out productive use activities, including agri-processing and cold storage.”
“Husk Power will do its utmost to support federal, state and local governments to deliver on Nigeria’s goal of universal electrification by 2030,” said Olu Aruike, Country Manager of Husk Nigeria. “With more than 90 million Nigerians still living without access to energy, the Nigeria Sunshot is a real-world demonstration that the microgrid industry is ready to scale, and drive rural economic growth with a net-zero, resilient solution.”
Around 8,000 women-led business customers are expected to benefit from the initiative. Additionally, 700 public health clinics, 200 private hospitals, and 100 public schools will be electrified. The initiative will also take 25,000 diesel and gasoline generators offline.
According to recent Nigerian government data, solar microgrids represent the least-cost technology for 8.9 million of the 19.8 million additional connections needed in the country to achieve universal electrification. Under the Sunshot Initiative, Husk will be able to provide about 5% of those connections, and impact 1% of the total Nigerian population.
According to Husk, it became the first company to commission multiple microgrids at once in Nigeria in late 2021. The company says the installation clearly demonstrated its ability to scale, and expects to end 2022 with more than 20 microgrids in operation.
Besides its presence in Nigeria and Tanzania, Husk is also in discussions to enter multiple new markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“By scaling in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, Husk will be able to expand and achieve even greater impact. Overall, Husk committed to a 2022 UN Energy Compact to build 5,000 microgrids by 2030,” the company said.
