Sterling and Wilson Solar Signs MoU with Nigerian Govt to Build 961 MWp Solar plus 455 MWh BESS Projects

Sterling and Wilson Solar Solutions, an arm of Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy (SWRE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, along with its consortium partner Sun Africa.
 
Under the MoU, the company would develop, design, construct, and commission an aggregate of 961 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects at 5 different locations in Nigeria along with a total installed capacity of 455 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS).
 
Commenting on the development, Amit Jain, Global CEO of Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group, said, “Africa has shown great progress in the development of its solar energy markets over the last few years. SWRE, having contributed the maximum solar capacity in Africa with a portfolio of over 1 GWp, stands tall as a renewable player in this region.”
 
“Solar combined with energy storage is going to be the future of power generation in Africa and we, along with our partner Sun Africa, are proud to be associated with this landmark project that will lay the foundation of Nigeria’s transition to clean energy,” Jain added.
 
Further, these projects would ultimately be owned and operated by Niger Delta Power Holding Company, a Nigerian Government owned entity.
 
However, the financing for these projects is under negotiations between US EXIM, ING, and the Government of Nigeria.
 
Nigeria’s electrification rate is above the sub-Saharan Africa regional average of 47 per cent, however, it lags behind the global average. This makes a strong case for solar energy as a viable solution for domestic and commercial supply. The Nigerian Government is continuing to work with the private sector to improve access to energy, create jobs and develop the overall industry.
 
Sterling and Wilson Group has a strong presence in Africa and has an excellent reputation in Nigeria for successfully executing projects in the power sector. Today, the company is one of the largest solar EPC players in the African market with a strong portfolio of over 1 GWp spread across seven countries.