First WATT Renewable and MTN Nigeria Partner to Deploy 34 MWp Solar PV and 40 MWh Battery Storage Across Critical Facilities

First WATT Renewable Limited and MTN Nigeria have entered into a strategic renewable energy infrastructure partnership aimed at reducing diesel dependence, improving operational resilience, and expanding the use of renewable energy across critical telecommunications and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities in Nigeria.

The collaboration includes the deployment of an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solution that will provide approximately 34 MWp of solar photovoltaic generation capacity and 40 MWh of battery energy storage systems across selected MTN facilities nationwide. The installations will support key operational sites, including data centres, switching facilities, cable landing stations, customer service centres, and other mission-critical network infrastructure.

In addition to the solar and storage rollout, the partnership will deliver renewable energy systems to power 60 kW EV charging stations at eight MTN locations across Nigeria, including Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano, and Ibadan. The initiative is designed to strengthen energy reliability while supporting the development of cleaner transportation infrastructure.

According to the companies, the combined projects are expected to reduce reliance on diesel-powered generation, lower operational emissions, improve business continuity, and increase the contribution of renewable energy across MTN’s operational footprint. The programme is also expected to support the avoidance of an estimated 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) emissions over the next five years, subject to operational performance and final emissions assessments.

Oluwole Eweje, Chief Executive Officer of WATT Renewable Corporation, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the company and a step toward strengthening the energy infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that the deployment of solar PV and battery energy storage systems would enhance energy reliability at critical facilities where uninterrupted operations are essential. Eweje added that the EV charging component demonstrates the role renewable energy infrastructure can play in supporting the country’s transition toward lower-carbon mobility.

Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, said the partnership aligns with the company’s efforts to reduce diesel consumption, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of systems that power connectivity. He added that the initiative supports MTN Nigeria’s Project Zero sustainability programme, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing renewable energy adoption across its operations.