Page 220 - NEW ENERGIES Beyond Data

The Future: DARES

Olufemi Akinyelure, Head Nigeria Electrification Programme

As the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) approaches its sunset, the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape

is poised for a new chapter. The Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) initiative
represents a bold step forward, building on the NEP’s successes and aiming to transform the renewable
energy sector in Nigeria.

DARES is designed to expand on the remarkable achievements of the NEP by scaling up renewable energy
solutions. This initiative is not merely about extending the project’s reach; it’s about the developers that
were created through the NEP now evolving into powerful Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs)

capable of delivering projects at utility scale. It is also no longer a competition between the On-grid
ecosystem as was the case in the early years of the NEP. DARES seeks to complement the national grid in
underserved areas while also offering alternatives to off-takers in unserved areas.

A critical aspect of DARES is its emphasis on financial resilience and
innovation. The initiative envisions a finance sector that embraces this

vision with the creation of innovative funding tools and platforms.

DARES will put Nigeria on an accelerated path towards achieving its climate goals and also make Nigeria
play a key role in facilitating the actualisation of the objectives of the Mission 300 program which aims to
provide access to 300million Africans. The initiative represents a vision of a brighter future, where reliable
and sustainable energy solutions are accessible to all, supporting economic development and environmental
sustainability.

For me, the future hinges on three principles: simplicity, speed, and
transparency. By adhering to these, we aim to provide electricity for all
and meet our climate change commitments.

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