Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced the signing of a feasibility study grant to Nigerian renewable energy provider GVE Projects Limited (GVE) to support the deployment of solar minigrids with battery energy storage systems in up to 150 underserved communities across Nigeria. The project will focus on delivering reliable power to healthcare facilities and approximately 855,000 people living outside of Nigeria’s urban areas. GVE selected Colorado-based Odyssey Energy Solutions, Inc. to carry out the study.
“USTDA’s partnership with GVE has the potential to increase access to life-saving health care across Nigeria while creating opportunities for the deployment of innovative U.S. technology,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Access to reliable and affordable electricity is vital to lift up communities and power their healthcare infrastructure. This is a priority for us because healthy people are the foundation of a healthy economy.”
In Nigeria, 70% of rural residents lack access to electricity, which can limit the ability of healthcare facilities to provide essential services. Through the installation of solar minigrids, this project would replace diesel generators, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. The inclusion of battery energy storage systems and smart meters would increase efficiency and reliability, helping healthcare facilities to power essential functions like medical devices, cold storage for vaccines and medications, and lights to enable continuous healthcare delivery.
“We are honored to be receiving this phenomenal support from USTDA,” said Ifeanyi Orajaka, CEO of GVE. “This will scale our energy access impact footprint by seven times in alignment with our vision of boldly leading Africa’s sustainable energy transition through home-grown innovation and global strategic collaborations.”
USTDA’s support for the project advances USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, Power Africa Initiative, and Prosper Africa Initiative.
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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 infrastructure 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: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov