$1.5m Solar Grant Awarded to 19 African Companies, Including 8 from Nigeria

$1.5m Solar Grant Awarded to 19 African Companies, Including 8 from Nigeria

Nineteen businesses from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia have been selected to receive $1.5 million in funding to scale up the use of solar-powered equipment that generates income. The grant, disbursed under the Productive Use Financing Facility, PUFF, is expected to boost productivity, drive job creation, and strengthen local economies. Speaking on the initiative, Chianda Njogu, Director for Energy and Opportunity, Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, said the funds will be used to deploy 3,800 productive use appliances and support more than 3,000 green jobs across the three nations. The Nigerian companies on the list are: Asolar System Nigeria Limited, Ceesolar Energy Limited, Cloud Energy Photoelectric, Consistent Energy Ltd, D@ech Nig Ltd, Ecotutu, Sosai Renewable Energies, and GreenPower Overseas Limited. From Ethiopia, the awardees include Awdi Negesti Special Purpose Machinery Manufacturing, Center for Applied Manufacturing Service & Engineering, Green Scene Energy PLC, Inter Ethiopia, and Zicon Trading. Kenyan recipients are Agsol Limited, Epicenter Africa Limited, Plexus Energy Limited, Suncool Storage, SunCulture Kenya Limited, and Sunspot Energy Kenya, trading as Spark Possibilities. Njogu noted that although programs like Mission 300 are expanding electricity access in Africa, many businesses still cannot afford the equipment needed to turn power into profit. “These include solar water pumps, solar fridges, solar mills and other appliances that help people earn a living,” he explained. “The main challenge for African businesses is the high cost of buying and running these inefficient machines.” PUFF, which is managed by CLASP with support from the Global Energy Alliance, will help the chosen companies lower production costs and make the equipment more affordable for farmers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Emmanuel Aziebor, Senior Director for Africa at CLASP, said energy access alone is not enough. “Africa’s future depends on using electricity to power businesses, create employment, and improve livelihoods,” Aziebor said. “The technology is already here. What’s missing is access for the entrepreneurs who need it most. PUFF is designed to close that gap and enable more businesses to grow and contribute to local development.” He added that the market for income-generating appliances is largely untapped, reaching less than 1% of potential users in Africa. “If we can close that gap, the sector could generate nearly $16 billion annually and create 50 million new jobs over the next 10 years,” he stated. Carol Koech, Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance, said affordable financing is key to speeding up renewable energy adoption. “Our aim is to equip African entrepreneurs with the resources to expand by connecting finance, technology, markets and supportive policies, while also driving a fairer energy transition across the region,” Koech said. The funding is expected to increase access to solar-powered tools for small businesses and rural communities in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

July 13, 2026

China to Enforce New Energy Rules to Overhaul Solar Industry in 2027

China is set to roll out sweeping new energy efficiency regulations that could force inefficient solar manufacturers out of the market, as part of a major restructuring of its photovoltaic sector. The new mandatory standards, covering the entire solar supply chain from polysilicon to inverters, are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Authorities say the move is designed to cut excess production capacity and move competition away from price wars. The three regulations — GB 29447-2026, GB 47835-2026, and GB 47834-2026 — will set legally binding efficiency requirements for domestic solar manufacturing. Unlike past voluntary guidelines, these rules will directly impact production, procurement, imports, and project approvals for renewable energy. GB 29447-2026 targets polysilicon and germanium production by imposing stricter limits on energy use in key manufacturing processes. The tighter rules are expected to put pressure on older, power-intensive polysilicon plants while pushing companies to invest in efficiency upgrades. To comply, manufacturers may have to adopt measures such as improved heat recovery systems, hydrogen recycling, and overall process optimization. The wafer segment will also come under tighter scrutiny through GB 47835-2026, which sets new standards for monocrystalline silicon production. Industry observers say older crystal-pulling machines and inefficient wafer production lines could struggle to meet the new benchmarks as the sector shifts toward more advanced manufacturing techniques. The overhaul signals Beijing’s push to streamline the solar industry, reduce energy waste, and ensure that future growth is driven by technology and efficiency rather than low-cost overproduction.

July 13, 2026

MTN Nigeria Partners With First Watt On 34MW Solar And 40MWh Battery Rollout

MTN Nigeria has sealed a new clean energy agreement with First WATT Renewable Limited to power its telecommunications infrastructure with large-scale renewables, as the company pushes to cut emissions and move away from diesel generators. Under the deal, First WATT will deploy 34 MW of solar power and 40 MWh of battery energy storage across several of MTN Nigeria’s priority network sites nationwide. The project is focused on improving network uptime and energy efficiency. A large number of telecom sites in Nigeria rely heavily on the national grid and diesel generators, both of which come with high costs and frequent disruptions. With solar and battery systems in place, the affected sites will be able to run continuously even during grid outages. The batteries will capture surplus solar power generated during the day and discharge it at night or when sunlight is low. This is expected to reduce the use of fossil-fuel backups and drive down operational expenses across MTN’s core infrastructure. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient network for our customers,” an MTN Nigeria spokesperson said. “Clean energy is central to how we power the digital economy while managing our environmental impact.” In addition to powering telecom equipment, the partnership will also roll out renewable-powered electric vehicle charging stations at selected MTN Nigeria locations. The EV charging points are part of the company’s wider sustainability roadmap and are intended to support the shift to low-emission vehicles in its fleet and staff operations. The timing aligns with a broader trend across Nigeria and Africa, where large corporates are increasing investments in renewables to meet climate goals and strengthen energy security amid rising fuel costs and grid instability. By bundling solar generation, battery storage, and EV charging into one program, MTN Nigeria is making a clear move to reduce its carbon footprint while future-proofing its operations. Industry observers note that the project could serve as a reference for the telecoms sector, demonstrating how critical infrastructure can be decarbonized at scale while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals. First WATT Renewable Limited confirmed that installations will be carried out in phases, starting with sites that have the highest energy demand. The company said the phased approach will allow for performance monitoring and optimization before a wider expansion.

July 10, 2026

Qualitas Energy Launches Tender For Up To 517 GWh/Year From Chilean Renewables Portfolio

Spanish renewables investor and fund manager Qualitas Energy has launched a competitive process to sell electricity from its portfolio of distributed generation and utility-scale plants in Chile, with contracts covering up to 517 GWh per year, energy marketplace Plataforma Energia announced. According to Plataforma Energia, which is coordinating the process through its online marketplace, the company is seeking to place power from two segments: its small distributed generation plants, locally known as PMGDs, and larger utility-scale projects located in central Chile and the Coquimbo region. The offering includes both physical and financial power purchase agreements with supply set to begin in 2028. Bidders can choose from 24/7, solar-only, or night-time supply products. Contract terms on offer range from 10, 12, to 15 years. The tender is open to a broad group of market participants, including power generators, electricity retailers, financial traders, investment banks, hedge funds, and large unregulated electricity consumers. Based on the maximum annual volume of 517 GWh and the longest 15-year term, Plataforma Energia estimates the process could cover more than 5,000 GWh of electricity over the lifetime of the contracts. Qualitas Energy entered the Chilean market in mid-2023 with the acquisition of a run-of-river hydropower plant. The firm subsequently opened an office in Santiago and expanded its footprint through Qualitas Energy Fund V with the purchase of a solar photovoltaic portfolio. The company said its mandate in Chile focuses on four core technologies: solar, wind, run-of-river hydro, and battery energy storage.

July 10, 2026

Uk Approves 740Mw One Earth Solar Farm, Set To Become Country’s Second-Largest

The UK government has granted planning consent for the 740MW One Earth Solar Farm, a major renewable project straddling the Nottinghamshire-Lincolnshire border. Once built, One Earth will rank as the second-largest solar facility in the UK, trailing only the 800MW Springwell Solar project that received approval in April. The development will include a large-scale photovoltaic array paired with a battery energy storage system. Officials said the site will have enough capacity to power more than 200,000 homes across the UK. The project was originally co-developed by Danish energy group Ørsted and PS Renewables. Responsibility for Ørsted’s share has since transferred to Perigus Energy, a platform under Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, following CIP’s acquisition of Ørsted’s European onshore renewables portfolio earlier this year. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed One Earth is the 30th nationally significant clean energy project approved since July 2024. Just last week, the department also signed off on two other solar schemes in England: the 320MW Peartree Hill project and the 150MW Dean Moor project. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the approvals reflect the government’s strategy to strengthen energy security through faster clean power deployment. “The only way to guarantee energy security is to take a pro-growth approach and build more clean energy in Britain. That is exactly what this Government has been doing for the past two years,” Miliband stated. The announcement follows recent planning reforms introduced by the government to speed up delivery of major infrastructure. The changes remove mandatory pre-application consultation requirements for large projects, a move expected to cut up to 12 months off the planning timeline. Construction timelines for One Earth have not yet been announced.

July 9, 2026

WeLight To Invest $650 Million In Nigeria’s Solar Mini-Grids To Power Off-Grid Communities

Pan-African clean energy firm WeLight has unveiled a $650 million plan to scale up solar mini-grid projects across Nigeria, an investment worth about ₦975 billion aimed at bringing electricity to millions in areas with poor or no grid supply. The announcement was shared on X by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media. According to WeLight, the program is expected to grow its rural customer base by ten times and speed up access to dependable, clean power in parts of the country that remain largely unserved. The company, which already runs decentralized solar mini-grids in several African nations, said the new rollout will target communities left out of the national grid managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. Instead of relying on long-distance transmission lines, WeLight will install localized solar photovoltaic systems paired with lithium-ion battery storage to deliver power directly to homes and businesses. The model is designed to cut transmission losses and shield communities from nationwide grid collapses. Officials noted the timing is critical as many Nigerian towns still depend on diesel and petrol generators because of frequent outages and insufficient supply from the central grid. WeLight said it will prioritize rural and agricultural areas where steady electricity can drive productivity. Planned uses include agro-processing, irrigation, cold storage, and small-scale manufacturing. Both residential and commercial customers will be connected under the expansion, which the company says will significantly close the electricity access gap in historically neglected regions. “Our mini-grids are built to match local demand,” a company statement read. “This ensures communities get continuous power without depending entirely on the national network.” The $650 million commitment comes weeks after WeLight raised $31 million in new capital to accelerate its entry into Nigeria and other African markets. The round included investment from the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank Group’s private-sector arm, alongside existing backers. The firm pointed to similar projects in East Africa as proof of concept. In Kenya, for example, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation has worked with private developers to roll out solar mini-grids in Turkana, Garissa, and Marsabit counties. Nigeria continues to grapple with a major electricity shortfall, with millions of households and businesses forced to self-generate. Off-grid renewable solutions like solar mini-grids have gained traction among government agencies, development banks, and private investors as a faster way to expand access. Energy experts say investments such as WeLight’s are part of a wider push to electrify Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo that have some of the largest populations globally without reliable power.

July 9, 2026

EDP TO DIVEST FULL STAKE IN 68-MW ITALIAN WIND AND SOLAR PORTFOLIO IN EUR 150 MILLION DEAL WITH PLT ENERGIA

Portuguese utility giant EDP has agreed to sell its entire equity interest in a 68-MWac/70-MWdc wind and solar portfolio in Italy, as the company continues to reshape its renewable asset base and recycle capital into new growth markets. In a statement issued on Tuesday, EDP said its renewables unit, EDP Renováveis, signed a sale and purchase agreement with PLT Energia SRL. The transaction values the portfolio at an estimated enterprise value of around EUR 150 million, or about USD 171 million. The final price will be subject to customary adjustments at closing, in line with standard market practice. The assets covered by the deal include four onshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 60 MW, plus one solar photovoltaic plant rated at 9 MWac/8 MWdc. The wind parks are backed by 20-year Contracts for Difference, CfDs, which provide long-term revenue stability. The solar facility operates under 10-year Power Purchase Agreements, PPAs, with offtakers. Geographically, all of the plants are located across southern Italy, specifically in the regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Campania. EDP said the average remaining life of the wind assets is about 11 years, while the solar plant has been operational for less than one year. For EDP, the sale aligns with its broader strategy of asset rotation. The Lisbon-based utility has been actively selling mature renewable projects to fund the development of new capacity in higher-growth markets, while also reducing debt and strengthening its balance sheet. Italy remains a core European market for EDP, but the company has been trimming exposure to older, non-core portfolios. PLT Energia SRL, the buyer, is an Italian independent power producer focused on expanding its renewables footprint domestically. The acquisition will add immediate operating capacity to PLT’s portfolio, along with long-term contracted cash flows from the CfDs and PPAs. EDP noted that the deal remains subject to standard closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Barring any delays, the company expects the transaction to be completed during 2026. The divestment comes at a time when investor appetite for operational renewables in Southern Europe remains strong, driven by Italy’s decarbonization targets and the steady demand for clean power from industrial and commercial buyers. With 20-year CfDs on the wind assets and new PPAs on the solar farm, the portfolio offers PLT a predictable revenue stream for the next decade or more. By exiting the 68-MW package, EDP frees up EUR 150 million to redeploy into its development pipeline in Europe, North America and Latin America, where the group is targeting gigawatts of new solar, wind and storage projects through the end of the decade.

July 8, 2026

POLARIS RENEWABLE SIGNS 30-YEAR DEAL WITH CFE FOR 200MW OF SOLAR-PLUS-STORAGE PROJECTS IN MEXICO

Canadian renewable energy firm Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. has signed a mixed investment agreement with Mexico’s state utility Comision Federal de Electricidad, CFE, for three solar-plus-storage projects with a combined capacity of more than 200MW. The agreement was executed through Polaris’ Mexican project structure with fiduciary trustee Banca Mifel SA, Institucion de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero Mifel, acting on behalf of CFE. The 30-year deal sets the framework for joint participation by Polaris and CFE in the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of the three projects. The projects were selected under Mexico’s Mixed Development Program, which aims to procure about 6,500MW of new renewable generation and energy storage capacity by 2029. Polaris CEO Marc Murnaghan said the signing represents a key milestone in advancing the three awarded projects into long-term contracted operating assets. He noted that the agreement reflects strong collaboration between Polaris and CFE. The company is also progressing toward financial close and construction, while advancing a growing pipeline of additional renewable energy and storage opportunities in Mexico. Murnaghan added that Mexico remains a core growth market for Polaris and that the company intends to expand its presence while supporting the country’s energy transition. According to Polaris, both parties will now work to finalize the remaining definitive agreements required for the program. These include power purchase agreements, a trust agreement, management services agreement, operation and maintenance agreement, and other related project documentation. Commercial operation of all three plants is scheduled for 2028. The Mixed Development Program is central to Mexico’s plan to accelerate clean energy deployment and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By combining solar generation with battery storage, the three Polaris-CFE projects are expected to provide more stable and dispatchable power to the grid, helping to address peak demand periods and improve reliability in regions with growing electricity needs. Government officials have said storage-enabled renewables will be critical to meeting Mexico’s climate and energy security goals over the next decade. For Polaris, the agreement deepens its footprint in Latin America, where it already operates hydro, solar and wind assets. The company said it is prioritizing markets with clear long-term policy frameworks and strong utility partners. With construction set to begin following financial close, the Mexico portfolio is expected to contribute significantly to Polaris’ target of doubling its operating capacity by 2030, while also creating jobs and local supply chain opportunities during the development and operation phases.

July 8, 2026

NIGERIA COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF 42 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS TO POWER 40,000 HOMES IN ADAMAWA, KEBBI

The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, has launched construction of 42 renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states in partnership with federal and state governments, as part of a push to expand electricity access and power economic growth in underserved communities. The rollout includes 39 mini-grid projects in Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant in Kebbi State. Both are being delivered under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme. In Adamawa, the government flagged off the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Programme. The package comprises three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids. The interconnected facilities will be sited in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, with capacities of 10MW, 2.6MW and 890kW respectively. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe said the Adamawa projects would add close to 27MW of clean electricity to communities across the state. According to him, about 40,000 homes and businesses in Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi, Guyuk and other areas are expected to benefit. He added that the intervention will also support around 6,000 MSMEs — including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT firms and agro-processors — and connect over 100 public institutions such as schools, health centres and water facilities. Tegbe said the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid in areas with poor or no supply, while also attracting private investment into renewable energy. He commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for providing land and other support for project implementation. Fintiri described the projects as a critical step toward improving power access in the state. REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with the agency’s mandate to expand electricity access through renewable energy solutions. In Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris performed the groundbreaking for a 3.5MW solar power project and the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of 33kV power infrastructure in Ambursa. Idris said the solar plant, which will include battery storage to provide power after sunset, will boost supply across the state and drive socio-economic activity. The state government provided the project site at no cost to the contractor, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, and urged timely delivery. Aliyu disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $750 million facility for REA to deploy interconnected mini-grids nationwide. About $10 million will go into the Kebbi project, which is expected to serve more than 1,000 households and key facilities including Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi. He said the investment will improve power reliability, support businesses and strengthen economic development in the state. Ali Kobeissi, CEO of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., assured that the Kebbi solar project will be completed within eight months and called on host communities to support workers during construction. Officials said the projects in Adamawa and Kebbi form part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to expand electricity access through renewable energy, increase private sector participation, and improve power supply in rural and peri-urban communities.

July 8, 2026

WESTERN INVERTER CAPACITY SUFFICIENT TO MEET EU DEMAND, SOLAR COUNCIL SAYS AMID PUSH TO CUT HIGH-RISK SUPPLIERS

Western inverter manufacturers have enough production capacity to fully supply the European Union market, the European Solar Manufacturing Council, ESMC, said this week, as the bloc moves to end EU funding for inverters from high-risk countries. The industry body, which represents European photovoltaic manufacturers, cited new data from S&P Global Energy showing that inverter production capacity in Europe currently stands at around 104 GWac. Manufacturers in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, excluding China, can provide an additional 120 GWac. According to ESMC, more than 53 GWac of European production capacity is available to meet European demand. That figure almost matches total EU solar installations in 2025. “Supply is not the bottleneck. The capacity to replace high-risk vendors already exists today,” said ESMC Secretary General Christoph Podewils. ESMC noted that Western manufacturers already have an established presence across Eastern Europe and can scale up sales and support within about six months. Based on a survey of six Western manufacturers, the council said they have a combined installed base of around 14 GW across eight EU markets, led by Poland. The companies also have about 330 sales and service employees working on the ground or dedicated remotely. The group added that choosing Western inverters will not significantly increase project costs. Citing Wood Mackenzie data, ESMC said switching to Western equipment would add roughly 2% to the cost of utility-scale or commercial solar projects. For residential string inverters the increase would be 3% to 4%, rising to 8% for systems using micro-inverters, power optimisers or hybrid inverters. “The inverter is the brain of every solar installation. Who controls the brain controls the grid,” Podewils said during a panel at the European Sustainable Energy Week, EUSEW, conference in Brussels. “The debate about whether Europe can wean itself off high-risk inverters is over – the capacity is there, the manufacturers are there, and in Eastern Europe they have been there for fifteen years.” The comments come as the EU advances measures to reduce reliance on suppliers deemed high-risk for energy security and critical infrastructure.

July 7, 2026

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Author: Chinenye