- Sahara Power Group, Ikeja Electric, and Darway Coast commissioned a 500kW solar-powered mini-grid in Robinyan, Ogun State, providing clean and reliable energy to over 1,400 connections.
- The project combines solar PV, battery storage, and a backup generator, reducing reliance on costly diesel generators and cutting 420 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
- With support from RMI and GEAPP, this initiative boosts local economic growth, improves education and healthcare, and sets a model for expanding energy access across Nigeria and Africa.
In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, Sahara Power Group, Ikeja Electric, and Darway Coast commissioned a 500kW interconnected mini-grid (IMG) in Robinyan, Ogun State. The project involves technical support from RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) funding.
The mini-grid combines grid supply with solar PV and battery storage, delivering reliable, clean, cost-effective power. This innovation tackles Robinyan’s persistent energy issues and opens a path to sustainable growth.
Due to frequent power outages, Robinyan’s residents and businesses relied on petrol and diesel generators for years. This project shifts the community towards renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving environmental sustainability.
In 2022, Sahara Power, through its affiliate Ikeja Electric, partnered with Darway Coast and local representatives to launch the project. Darway Coast led the development, design, and construction of the generation assets, while Ikeja Electric provided technical guidance and worked with the community.
Henry Ureh, CEO of Darway Coast Nigeria, emphasised the collaboration’s success. “This project shows how partnerships can solve energy challenges and deliver lasting benefits,” he said.
The IMG includes a 500kW solar array, 625kWh battery storage, and a 500kVA backup generator. It also features upgrades to the local distribution network, ensuring reliable power for over 1,400 connections and serving homes, businesses, and public facilities.
Ikeja Electric CEO, Mrs Folake Soetan, thanked all stakeholders involved. “This is our first distributed energy project, but we have more coming,” she stated.
Grants from GEAPP made the project possible, while RMI offered technical support throughout its design and implementation. Ije Ikoku Okeke, RMI’s Managing Director for Global South and Catalytic Capital programs, highlighted the project’s importance. “This project demonstrates how distributed energy can integrate with the grid to deliver clean, reliable power,” she said.
The project will generate approximately 545,000 kWh annually, reducing 420 metric tons of carbon emissions from diesel generators. The reliable power supply will boost education, healthcare, and business growth, driving economic development.
Fauzia Okediji, Manager of Utility Innovation at GEAPP, stressed the project’s broader impact. “This model integrates clean energy with the grid, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels and improving power quality,” she said. “It supports our mission to electrify 300 million people across Africa.”
The Robinyan mini-grid demonstrates the potential of utility-enabled distributed energy solutions, particularly in areas with weak grid infrastructure. Expanding this model will be crucial for improving energy access across Nigeria and Africa, helping to meet rising energy demands and promote sustainable development.