Solarge BV to set up 1GW solar panel manufacturing plant in Nigeria

• The Federal Government of Nieria has announced a major step in its renewable energy drive with the signing of a landmark agreement to establish a 1 GW solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing facility.
• The project is expected to strengthen local production, cut import dependency, and accelerate the nation’s energy transition.

The deal, signed on Wednesday at the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) office in Abuja, brings together three key partners — the Rural Electrification Agency, InfraCorp, and Dutch renewable energy company Solarge BV. Together, they have set up Solarge Nigeria Limited, a special-purpose vehicle to build and operate the facility.

Solarge BV will hold the largest stake with 49 per cent ownership. InfraCorp and REA will control 26 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. Officials explained that this balance of ownership reflects a public-private partnership model aimed at mobilising investment, enforcing accountability, and guaranteeing technology transfer.

The 1 GW solar panel factory will target 50% local content within the first three years. Under the terms of the agreement, REA has committed to procure at least 200 MW of solar modules per year over five years from Solarge Nigeria Ltd, which will go towards its public electrification programs.

The new factory aligns with the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund — two government-led programmes designed to scale access to clean energy across public institutions while deepening Nigeria’s industrial base.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal