Firm launches solar plant to promote Lagos’ 1GW ambition

Off-GRID energy firm, Auxano, has launched a 100 mega-watt solar manufacturing plant as part of plans to achieve one gigabyte watt (1GW) energy capacity by 2030.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the facility was a testament to his administration’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.

Represented by former Managing Director of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Ayodele Antonio, the governor explained: “The adoption of renewable energy technologies offers more than just increased access to electricity. It holds the potential to enhance the provision of social amenities, create employment opportunities and ultimately address the issue of rural-urban migration in Nigeria.”

All On, a Shell-funded impact investor, invested over $2 million in the project since conception in Ibeju Lekki axis of the state. Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okubor, said the firm’s goal was to assist energy-poor communities access power by unlocking potential off-grid clean energy solutions.

The Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Eboumbou, recalled that her company had several players to reduce reliance on importation. Co-founder and CEO, Auxano, Chuks Umezulora, said the focus of his company was to penetrate the Nigerian market before moving exporting the solar products to neighbouring countries.

Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, (REA), Salihijo Ahmad, said localising renewable energy equipment supply chains remained one of the key strategies to fostering economic growth and providing decent employment opportunities to Nigerians.