Crunch Times News

By Uche Onyeali 

Indigenous clean energy company, Earthic Energy Limited has disclosed plans to set up a solar energy manufacturing factory in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Miss Blessing Anulika Achebe gave the hint during the launch of the company in Abuja, at the weekend.

Miss Achebe, who disclosed that she has been in the solar energy business for five years, said though the journey had not been easy, but she and her partners are focused towards achieving the set goals of the company.

According to her, "The journey so far has not been easy, but I have been working with utmost determination, when I make up my mind to do something, I put in my best and God's grace will always pave way for you with hard work. 

"I have worked so hard to get to where I want to be today. I have tried so hard to make all my dreams come true. Like I said earlier, with the mercy of God everything has come to pass."

On how she could cope with the competition in the sector, Achebe noted that her firm does not admit any factor that could stand as drawback, as a lot of women are already making waves in various sectors of the economy.

"Our determination is unhindered, though we acknowledge such competition as it paves the way for more resilience. Women are now taking over the world.

"I have been into solar for more than five years. Right now I have been pushing so hard and I see how the world is evolving around energy.

"I have made up my mind that said this is what I want to do. I said if I don't get to where I want to be, there is no going back; I would go above the limit. I want to change lives; I want to make the world a better place. That is why I came up with 'Earthic Energy Limited' because the world revolves around the earth. The earth is where we live and that is why my colour is green and sun yellow. So I want to power the whole world.

"Our plan is to set up a solar energy factory in Nigeria where we can manufacture our own products," she said.

She called for more investors and government at all levels to take advantage of Earthic's services, which include solar streetlight installation, inverter/grid installation, construction, training/ empowerment, as well as contract financing and partnership, supply/credit sales.

Speaking at the occasion, a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Zaruwa commended Miss Achebe for her vision and bold step into the clean energy sub-sector.

Professor Zaruwa, a former Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, urged government at all levels, especially governors in the northern part of the country where there is enormous sun, to partner Earthic Energy to improve power supply in the country.

Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

Odyssey Energy Solutions, an end-to-end distributed energy technology platform, and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) have signed an agreement to work together to make solar equipment procurement more efficient and cost-effective for solar companies operating in Nigeria.

REAN President, Ayo Ademilua expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, stating that "REAN is committed to supporting the growth and development of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.

The partnership which was officially announced at the REAN Town Hall Meeting, held virtually with key stakeholders in Nigeria's renewable energy sector to discuss industry trends, opportunities, and challenges.

 Ademilua noted, "this partnership with Odyssey Energy Solutions is an important step in a right direction. We look forward to working together to provide better access to quality solar products and solutions for our members."

"With the official announcement of this partnership agreement, Odyssey Energy Solutions and REAN are poised to make a significant impact on the solar energy industry in Nigeria, by making it easier, faster and cheaper to procure high-quality solar products".

The agreement will help them make $100M of equipment finance available to REAN members with very favorable terms, including only requiring a small down payment for equipment and giving a 60-day window for solar companies to pay the balance once equipment has arrived in Nigeria for select equipment.

As one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Nigeria has a significant demand for renewable energy solutions. However, many solar companies face significant challenges when it comes to sourcing equipment and materials, including long lead times, high costs, and lack of access to quality products.

"The partnership between Odyssey Energy Solutions and REAN aims to address these challenges by streamlining the procurement process and providing better access to high-quality solar products for REAN members". 

He said under the agreement, Odyssey Energy Solutions and REAN will streamline equipment procurement for REAN members by helping them access financing, better payment terms and supply chain support.

Commenting on the agreement, Justin Tinsey, VP of Procurement Solutions at Odyssey, said, "We are delighted to be partnering with REAN to help improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar equipment procurement in Nigeria. 

"Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to provide better solutions to solar companies in Nigeria, helping them to grow their businesses and contribute to the development of a sustainable energy future for the country."