Universal Energy Facility ( UEF) signs grant agreements with 19 clean energy developers

Targets deployment of stand- alone solar solutions for productive uses across Nigeria

SUSTAINABLE Energy for All ( SEFORALL), yesterday, announced the signing of grant agreements with 19 clean energy developers under its Results- Based Financing ( RBF) multi- donor fund, the Universal Energy Facility ( UEF), Stand- Alone Solar for Productive Use ( SSPU) programme, for the deployment of high capacity solar+ battery storage systems to businesses and institutions across Nigeria.

These systems are expected to be fully installed and operational before the end of this year.

"This marks a significant step forward in our shared vision for a sustainable future. By signing these grant agreements, the UEF is truly making a difference by empowering clean energy developers to bring their innovative solutions to life," said Joseph Nganga, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet ( GEAPP).

"I'm incredibly proud of the UEF'S work and excited to see the positive impact these projects will have on many lives," he said

Reliable clean electricity for homes, businesses ( SMES), and institutions, transforms daily life. Electricity stays on, harmful petrol and diesel gen sets will be removed, which reduces indoor air pollution and CO2 emissions, equipment runs smoothly, and essential services like healthcare and education can function effectively. This unlocks economic opportunities and improves overall wellbeing.

"I am proud of the work we have all done to enable a better environment for the private sector to grow within the energy sector. The companies signing the grant agreements today are a testament to the policies that have been put in place and capacity building efforts made in the past decade to build the sector," said Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency.

This significant expansion builds upon the success of the UEF'S initial launch of the SSPU programme in February 2023, when 10 developers received grants to deploy SSPU units in underserved or unserved communities. So far, over 1,600 systems have been installed, serving over 1,200 businesses and institutions such as health and educational facilities.

The UEF has achieved significant progress over the past year, not only in Nigeria but also in Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone with thousands of Africans benefiting from this facility.

The SSPU systems are gamechangers, these solar power systems provide a reliable source of electricity, unlocking a range of socio- economic benefits. Businesses can extend operating hours, utilise equipment, and improve product quality, leading to increased income. SSPUS also stimulates job creation by fostering local businesses that rely on electricity.