The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is piloting a solar mini-grid initiative in Nigeria to tackle the country’s persistent power challenges. Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, the project aims to provide a more reliable power source for households and businesses.
Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply has long hindered productivity, making consistent power a key concern. GEAPP, founded in 2021 with the Ikea Foundation, seeks to address this issue with solar-powered mini-grids. These grids operate alongside the national electricity grid, helping to ensure continuous power, especially when the main grid fails.
The first interconnected mini-grid was completed in December. Two more are under construction, with funding already secured for a fourth. Private developers operate the mini-grids, adding a layer of efficiency and accountability. The project demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can make a real difference in communities that struggle with unreliable power.
“These mini-grids complement the limited electricity from the national grid, ensuring businesses and households stay powered continuously,” said a representative from GEAPP.
This initiative could be a game-changer for Nigeria. Reliable electricity can improve productivity, boost economic growth, and create more stable conditions for businesses. The project also supports global climate goals by integrating renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
As GEAPP continues its work in Nigeria, there’s hope that the success of these mini-grids could lead to broader adoption, improving lives and business environments across the country.
