The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) this week signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to address the various existing barriers hindering access to decentralised renewable energy (DRE) in Nigeria.
The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy to create a conducive market environment for DRE actors, accompanying and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.
“We strongly believe that we share common values to take concrete steps forward to expand clean and affordable energy access in Nigeria.” ARE CEO, David Lecoque
The two organisations aim to develop the capacity of DRE stakeholders in Nigeria, accelerate the development of the Nigerian DRE sector, create local jobs and increase the capacity of DRE companies to raise financing and unlock increased investments in the renewable energy sector of Nigeria. This will be achieved by spearheading in-person or virtual “DRE Investment Academies” or similar training for Nigerian and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim to provide additional fundraising and technical support.
Increasing energy access in underserved communities
“We are delighted to partner with ARE in what is a significant milestone in our relationship. It aligns with our objective of forming strategic partnerships based on shared goals; in this instance, working towards increasing energy access to underserved or unserved Nigerians. Ultimately, we are working together to ensure that renewable energy solutions play a key role,” said REAN President, Segun Adaju.
Under the agreement, the two partners will deliver joint offers and support services for Nigerian DRE actors, who work to address energy access, energy security and climate change challenges in Nigeria.
ARE CEO, David Lecoque, says cooperation fits squarely within ARE’s goal to increase country-level actions and support to boost energy access, also in Nigeria. It is an outcome of the virtual study tours that ARE organises with SolarPowerEurope and National Renewable Energy Associations, supported by the European Programme GET.invest.
ARE Africa Lead, Gabriele Pammesberger, added: “We strongly believe in partnerships and cooperation between national and international organisations as well as in local skills development and capacity building as key drivers towards universal access to energy and hence are delighted to partner with REAN to jointly foster the development of a thriving DRE sector in Nigeria. This MoU is in line with the mandate of ARE’s new Africa Desk, a top partnership between ARE and the African Development Bank.”
