Nigeria Targets 209,000MW Solar Power by 2050

Nigeria is targeting a significant increase in its power generation capacity, aiming for 209,000 megawatts by 2050, with a focus on 53 large-scale solar power projects valued at $11 billion. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria's energy mix and improve electricity access, especially in underserved communities.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is leading efforts to deploy 1,300 solar mini-grids and off-grid power systems nationwide, backed by a $750 million public fund expected to attract an additional $1.1 billion in private sector investment. Abba Aliyu, REA Managing Director, described this as a landmark intervention in Nigeria's power sector.

The federal government aims for renewable energy to contribute 30% of the energy mix by 2030 and 82% by 2050. The initiative aligns with the World Bank's mission to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030 and aims to replace 250,000 diesel generators across the country.