REA plans 8MW Nigeria’s first floating solar PV plant to power LASU

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has unveiled plans to develop Nigeria’s first floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant—an 8MW facility—set to provide electricity to Lagos State University (LASU). This landmark project is part of a broader collaboration between the agency and the Lagos State Government to accelerate access to clean energy, particularly for public institutions across the state.The announcement came alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Lagos State Energy Summit, held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island.

The agreement marks a pivotal step under the REA’s State-by-State Initiative and supports the Federal Government’s renewed focus on decentralised electricity access, as outlined in the 2023 Electricity Act.Under the new partnership, both parties aim to roll out sustainable, distributed energy solutions to reduce the state’s reliance on over four million diesel generators. The initiative seeks to transition Lagos from a fragmented, polluting energy landscape to a more reliable and environmentally friendly model powered by renewable energy.



Speaking at the summit, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat—who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—stressed the role of strategic collaboration in solving the state’s energy access challenges.“We have surplus electricity generation in Nigeria, but it is often misallocated or poorly distributed. This partnership with the REA represents a step towards balancing that disparity and bringing reliable power to where it’s most needed,” he said.

REA’s Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, outlined several key projects under the new collaboration. Among them is the floating solar PV plant for LASU, a $150 million lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and plans for a Renewable Energy University to develop local talent and promote innovation in the energy sector.Aliyu stated that the initiative would also support national programmes such as the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), which is backed by the World Bank.

“These initiatives are designed to empower local developers and create a thriving market for Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) across Nigeria,” he noted.He added that the agency’s efforts are geared toward strengthening domestic manufacturing, encouraging public-private collaboration, and accelerating Nigeria’s shift to clean, decentralised energy sources.The REA, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Power, is responsible for bringing electricity to unserved and underserved communities with the aim of catalysing economic development and improving living standards across the country.

Established through Sections 88 and 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) in 2005, the agency plays a central role in implementing government-funded and donor-supported electrification initiatives.Among its current programmes are the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), and the Energy for All – Mass Rural Electrification scheme. It also runs projects like the African Mini Grids Programme (AMP), Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions (DSOLS), and the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), alongside the e-HEART project, which focuses on electrifying key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and rural development.

The agency supports private sector-led initiatives by conducting feasibility studies, energy audits, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement, all aimed at creating a favourable environment for long-term, sustainable energy investments.The Lagos-REA collaboration is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar sub-national partnerships, aligning federal and state-level goals to ensure every Nigerian has access to reliable, clean electricity.The post REA plans 8MW Nigeria’s first floating solar PV plant to power LASU appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect.

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