A $6.5 million solar agreement between Empower New Energy, a Norwegian renewable energy firm, and Justrite, a Nigerian grocery chain, has been struck.
At ten Justrite stores, solar photovoltaics (PV) and batteries will take the role of diesel power under the terms of the agreement.
Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s minister of foreign affairs, and Olalere Odusote, the commissioner for energy and mineral resources for Lagos state, observed the signing of the agreement at the launch of the Lagos-Norway Energy Exchange on Monday.
The energy exchange, according to the organisers, is intended for Norwegian businesses to learn about Nigeria’s energy difficulties and provide green solutions.
Commenting on the development, Huitfeldt said it was uplifting to witness companies with a solid background in the oil industry pushing forward in green technology.
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She said investors were also getting attracted to green investments.
“The past year has made it very clear both in Africa and Europe how fragile we are when energy supplies are threatened,” Norway’s foreign minister said.
“And made it very clear that predictable energy supplying nations, such as Nigeria and Norway are vital to continued stability in times of crisis.
“Nigeria and Norway are partners in energy. Norway’s largest energy company, Equinor, started business in Nigeria in 1992. Over 30 years ago.
“Many Nigerian students have studied at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. And put their education to use when back home in Nigeria.
“Fossil energy has been important to both our nations’ economies. But now we must also look ahead to new sources of energy.”
Story adapted from The Cable
