Oando Clean Energy and Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a 1.2-gigawatt (GW) solar energy project aimed at providing electricity to millions of Nigerians. This initiative is set to become Nigeria's largest solar power project, significantly advancing the nation's sustainable energy goals.

The project includes the establishment of Africa's first solar module assembly plant with a recycling line, allowing for the repurposing of old and dysfunctional solar panels into raw materials for various uses. The first phase, a 600MW solar power rollout, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

This collaboration aligns with Nigeria's broader push for clean energy adoption, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address longstanding power shortages that have hindered economic growth. It also positions Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in West Africa, enhancing electricity access and creating jobs through local manufacturing.

The initiative is part of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, a collaborative funding scheme between the World Bank and the Nigerian government to support the rollout of solar PV systems and advance Nigeria's decarbonisation plans.

By investing in local manufacturing and recycling capabilities, Nigeria aims to drive solar photovoltaic infrastructure expansion, enhance local manufacturing capacity, and improve energy accessibility across the country.