Uche Cecil Izuora
Sahara Power Group in collaboration with Ikeja Electric and Darway Coast, with technical support from RMI (founded as Rocky Mountain Institute) and funding from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), have commissioned the 500 kW Robinyo interconnected minigrid (IMG) in Robinyan, Ogun State.
This innovative solution combines grid supply with distributed energy resources from solar PV and battery storage to deliver reliable, clean, and cost-effective power, addressing the community’s long-standing energy deficit and unlocking a pathway to sustainable economic development.
The solution follows years of frequent power outages which required Robinyan residents and businesses to commit huge resources to alternative power solutions via petrol and diesel generators that affected environmental sustainability.
In keeping with ongoing efforts to promote energy security and boost economic activities, Sahara Power Group, working through its affiliate Ikeja Electric, collaborated with Darway Coast and community representatives to enter into an agreement in 2022 to initiate the IMG project.
Darway Coast led the development, design, and construction of the generation assets, including the upgrade and expansion of the existing distribution network, while Ikeja Electric provided vital technical guidance and facilitated crucial community engagement.
“Making a difference through reliable, accessible and clean energy solutions remains a critical quest for Sahara Power and we are delighted this has come to fruition. We look forward to this project translating to enhanced economic prosperity for Robinyan residents,” said Anthony Youdeowei, Managing Director, Sahara Power Group.
“At Darway Coast, we believe that access to sustainable and reliable energy is the foundation for community empowerment and economic growth. Partnering on the Robinyan minigrid project allows us to demonstrate our commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible energy solutions that directly benefit local residents and businesses. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape,” said Henry Ureh, CEO/Managing Director, Darway Coast Nigeria Limited.
The newly commissioned IMG features a 500-kW solar PV array, 625 kWh of battery storage, a 500kVA backup generator, and major distribution network grid retrofits and expansion, ensuring a consistent and dependable power supply for homes, businesses, and public institutions.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, communities and agencies of government at all levels that provided guidance and support to this project.
“While this is Ikeja Electric’s first commissioning of distributed energy solutions, we are working with other developers and will be commissioning more projects on the back of this.” Mrs. Soetan noted.
The project’s core generation assets were made possible through philanthropic grants from GEAPP, with RMI, an implementing partner, providing crucial technical assistance throughout the design and implementation phases.
“This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria,” said Ije Ikoku Okeke, RMI Managing Director of Global South and Catalytic Capital programs. “Through such strategic partnerships, we’re demonstrating that distributed energy resources can complement traditional grid infrastructure to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power.”
The Robinyan IMG will serve over 1,400 connections, directly benefiting more than 5,000 residents.
Generating approximately 545,000 kWh annually, the project will displace 420 metric tons of carbon emissions each year from diesel generators, fostering a cleaner environment.
The reliable energy supply will enhance educational opportunities, improve public health services, and attract new businesses, driving economic prosperity.
“This project showcases radical collaboration and an innovative business model that integrates clean energy with the grid, improving supply quality and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels,” said Fauzia Okediji, Manager, Utility Innovation at GEAPP. “By improving access to reliable, sustainable energy, the project is empowering communities, impacting livelihoods. This model informs the DARES program’s strategy to accelerate the mission to electrify 300 million people across Africa.”
The IMG showcases the potential of utility-enabled distributed energy resources to address energy reliability gaps, particularly in peri-urban areas with constrained grid infrastructure.