AfrElec: CBEA, ENGIE to build $60mn portfolio of mini-grids in Nigeria

CrossBoundary Energy Access Nigeria (CBEA) and ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria (ENGIE) have agreed to build a $60mn portfolio of mini grids that will connect over 150,000 people to electricity in Nigeria.

CBEA will provide the $60mn funding, which will enable ENGIE to develop the mini-grids. Money will also be contributed by the Performance Based Grant, funded by the World Bank.

In a statement on October 11, ENGIE said it had developed a pipeline of mini-grids to be built over the next four years and agreed to provide long-term operations and maintenance services for the grids.

ENGIE has a long track record of providing mini-grids throughout Africa and said it sees Nigeria as a country for potential growth.

According to ENGIE chief executive Gillian-Alexandre Huart, the deal with CBEA reflects a “long-term commitment as a leading provider of energy access solutions in Africa”.