Empower New Energy, in collaboration with Powercell Limited and Huawei, has commissioned a groundbreaking rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) for Justrite Superstores. This marks the first installation of its kind for a supermarket chain in West Africa, representing a total investment of $6.5 million, fully financed by Empower New Energy.
The inauguration ceremony, held recently, saw the attendance of His Excellency Mr. Svein Bæra, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (represented by Mr. Ayodele Alamu), and other distinguished guests from the Lagos state government and the private sector.
Innovative Installations in Lagos
The installations include solar PV and BESS at two Justrite retail 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 and an 800 kWh battery storage system. Both sites utilize ComAp’s smart energy management technologies for seamless integration with other power sources.
These installations are part of a larger ongoing project to equip ten Justrite Superstore branches with similar systems. This project spans Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, with a total capacity of 3,050 kWp of solar PV and 6,000 kWh of battery storage. The solarisation of all ten stores, expected to create about 400 jobs, is set for completion by the end of July this year.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Annually, the installed systems are projected to generate approximately 5.3 GWh of clean electricity, covering up to 85% of the energy needs for the ten Justrite branches. This initiative will enable Justrite to reduce its carbon emissions by about 2,453 tonnes annually, totaling roughly 61,347 tonnes over the system’s lifetime. These reductions support Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions by 47% by 2030.
Leadership Remarks
Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, Chairman of Justrite Limited, highlighted the motivation behind the switch to solar power and battery storage. “Rising electricity costs and unreliable grid power, along with soaring diesel prices, have significantly impacted our business. This transition to solar marks a new chapter for Justrite and serves as a model for other chain stores, promoting Nigeria’s sustainable growth.”
Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “Partnering with Justrite to realize West Africa’s first large-scale solar and battery plant for a retail business has been a rewarding experience. Despite the complexities, the project was completed in less than eight months, demonstrating the powerful role decentralized solar investments can play in meeting sustainability targets in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
International Cooperation
Svein Bæra, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasized the importance of such investments. “In a time when Nigeria urgently needs foreign investments for its economic and energy transition, we are proud to see Empower New Energy leading with this innovative project. Renewable energy benefits businesses, the environment, and the climate, further strengthening the partnership between our nations.”
Jie Lu, CEO and Chairman of Huawei Nigeria, also commented on the significance of the project. “Renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic, is crucial for Nigeria’s industrial and commercial development. Huawei Digital Power is committed to providing high-quality, reliable, and secure smart PV and energy storage solutions to help companies reduce fuel costs and enhance electricity stability.”
The successful commissioning of these systems underscores the potential of renewable energy investments in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and supporting its sustainable development goals.
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