Nigeria launches Solarge Nigeria Limited to build a 1 GW solar panel factory, boosting local manufacturing capacity
REA commits to procure 200 MW annually, ensuring stable demand and supporting government electrification programs
Factory aims 50% local content in 3 years, driving technology transfer, jobs, and industrial growth
Nigeria is set to host a 1 GW solar panel manufacturing facility following the launch of Solarge Nigeria Limited, a new public-private partnership (PPP) between the country’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and Netherlands-based Solarge BV.
The special purpose vehicle (SPV) will build and operate a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance local production, technology transfer, and job creation. Once complete, the factory aims to achieve 50% local content within the initial 3 years.
Under the agreement signed, the REA has committed to procuring a minimum of 200 MW of solar modules annually for 5 years from the Solarge factory for its public electrification programs, and those under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF). It will support the government’s clean energy transition and industrialization goals, stated the REA.
Panels produced at the factory will also be deployed for distributed solar energy solutions across public institutions such as schools, hospitals, security posts, and government offices under the aegis of the newly launched National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI).
“We are excited to bring our technology and experience to this landmark initiative. Solarge Nigeria Ltd will set a new benchmark for solar manufacturing in Africa — built by Nigerians, for Nigerians,” said Solarge BV CEO Joost Brinkman.
Solarge, which produces lightweight solar PV modules in the Netherlands, announced the 1 GW Nigeria factory in 2023 after it entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with InfraCorp and African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank at COP28. At the time, it planned to bring the manufacturing facility online by 2025 (see GW-Scale Solar Module Manufacturing In Nigeria).
Since then, several other companies have announced their PV manufacturing plans in Nigeria, including Oando Clean Energy’s 1.2 GW module assembly plant, Hunan Red Sun and IRS Group’s 600 MW factory, and Tranos’ 800 MW facility (see Nigeria Breaks Ground On 800 MW Solar Module Factory).
