Lagos State is taking a major step in clean energy by planning a $150 million lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, announced the project.
This project aims to tackle electricity issues and boost the state’s renewable energy sector.
In addition to the battery plant, the state government intends to launch a Renewable Energy University. This institution will focus on developing local expertise and fostering innovation in sustainable energy technologies.
During the Lagos State Energy Summit, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance access to clean energy across the state. The agreement includes plans to power public institutions with rooftop solar systems, aligning with the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act, which promotes sub-national electricity access.
The REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted upcoming projects under this partnership, notably Nigeria’s first floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with an 8MW capacity to supply Lagos State University. These efforts are part of broader initiatives like the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, supported by the World Bank.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the critical role of strategic partnerships in overcoming energy challenges and advancing Lagos State’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
