Landmark Solar Energy Investment in Nigeria’s Retail Sector
Empower New Energy, in collaboration with Powercell Limited and Huawei, has commissioned a pioneering rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) for Justrite Superstores. This $6.5 million project, fully financed by Empower, marks a first for West African supermarket chains.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Svein Bæra, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, and Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, represented by Mr. Ayodele Alamu. Distinguished guests from the Lagos state government and the private sector were also present.
Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems
The systems include solar PV and battery energy storage at two Justrite locations in Lagos State: Abule Egba and Ikorodu. The Abule Egba site features a 270 kWp solar installation paired with a 600 kWh battery system, while the Ikorodu site has a 400 kWp solar array with an 800 kWh battery storage system. ComAp’s smart energy management technologies ensure seamless integration and operation of the solar panels with other power sources.
This installation is part of a larger project to install similar systems across ten Justrite Superstore branches. Spanning Ogun and Oyo states, the project aims to achieve a total capacity of 3,050 kWp of solar PV and 6,000 kWh of battery storage. The solarisation of all ten branches, expected to secure about 400 jobs, will be completed by the end of July this year.
Environmental Impact and Economic Benefits
The installed systems will generate approximately 5.3 GWh of clean electricity annually, meeting up to 85% of the energy needs for the ten branches. This will enable Justrite to reduce carbon emissions by about 2,453 tonnes annually, totaling roughly 61,347 tonnes over the system’s lifetime. Given that energy production accounts for 60% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions, these reductions align with Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to achieve a 47% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Promoting Renewable Energy in Nigeria
This first-of-its-kind solar and battery initiative showcases the significant role Nigeria’s commercial and industrial sectors can play in the country’s energy transition. Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, Chairman of Justrite, noted, “Switching to solar power and battery storage came from rising electricity costs and unreliable grid power. This transition marks a new chapter for Justrite and sets an example for other chain stores.”
Industry Perspectives
Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy, commented, “We are thrilled to work with Justrite to see West Africa’s first large-scale solar and battery plant for a retail business come to life. Despite complexities, the project was completed in less than eight months. This demonstrates the powerful role decentralized solar investments can play in meeting sustainability targets in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Svein Bæra, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, added, “This project shows how renewable energy can drive business, environmental, and climate benefits. It further strengthens the partnership between our nations.”
Jie Lu, Huawei Nigeria CEO & Chairman, stated, “Renewable energy, such as photovoltaic, is crucial for Nigeria’s industrial and commercial development. Huawei Digital Power will provide high-quality, reliable, and secure smart PV and energy storage solutions, helping companies reduce fuel costs and improve electricity stability.”
Source：premiumtimesng.com
