Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Darway Coast Nigeria Limited for a feasibility study that will provide reliable electricity for more than 80,000 households and businesses in Nigeria using U.S. minigrid technology.

“Our partners in Nigeria and across Africa are turning to USTDA for innovative American solutions that will provide their people with new and expanded access reliable power,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “Our partnership with Darway Coast will also make a lasting difference by generating up to 23-megawatts of power for underserved markets, fostering inclusive economic growth and increasing local resiliency.”

USTDA’s study will support the deployment of 80 minigrids and 15 distributed generation units for commercial, industrial and institutional customers in rural communities across the country. The minigrids and distributed generation units will use solar photovoltaic panels with lithium batteries and smart meter solutions.

“Improving energy access for Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities is an important goal for the U.S. government. This grant demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria to supporting Nigeria’s power sector recovery program and the Nigeria electrification project by backing infrastructure projects that will empower communities through electrification,” said Mary Beth Leonard, U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are excited and appreciative of the support from USTDA. We look forward to leveraging this support in empowering over 80,000 households and businesses in Nigeria,” said Henry Chigozie Ureh, CEO of Darway Coast.

This project supports the U.S. government’s Power Africa and Prosper Africa Initiatives.

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.  USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:          Jonathan Wilcox | (703) 875-4357