Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (2024)

This installation, the first of its kind in the West African supermarket chain space, represents a total investment of US$6.5 million, fully financed by Empower.

byPress Release

June 5, 2024

Reading Time: 3 mins read

Empower New Energy, in collaboration with its technical partners, Powercell Limited and Huawei, today announced the commissioning of a pioneering roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) for Justrite Superstores, the leading neighbourhood retail supermarket chain in Nigeria. This installation, the first of its kind in the West African supermarket chain space, represents a total investment of US$6.5 million, fully financed by Empower.

Commemorating this significant achievement, a formal inauguration ceremony was held, which was attended by His Excellency Mr Svein Bæra, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, as well as Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation who was represented by Mr Ayodele Alamu and other distinguished guests from the Lagos state government and the private sector.

Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (1)

The systems commissioned include solar PV and battery energy storage systems at two of Justrite’s retail locations in Lagos State: Abule Egba and Ikorodu. The Abule Egba site features a 270 kWp solar installation paired with a 600 kWh battery system, while the Ikorodu site boasts a 400 kWp solar array and an 800 kWh battery storage system. All installations are equipped with ComAp’s smart energy management technologies, which facilitate the seamless integration and operation of the solar panels with other power sources.

The openings at the two sites are part of an ongoing larger project, already in progress, to install similar systems across a total of ten Justrite Superstore branches. The complete project spans

, Ogun, and Oyo states, totalling a capacity of 3,050 kWp of solar PV and 6,000 kWh of battery storage. The solarisation of all ten Superstores, estimated to secure about 400 jobs directly and indirectly, will be completed by the end of July this year.

Each year, the installed systems will generate approximately 5.3 GWh of clean electricity, meeting up to 85% of the total energy needs for the ten Justrite Superstore branches. This energy production will allow Justrite to reduce its carbon emissions by about 2,453 tonnes annually, amounting to roughly 61,347 tonnes over the system’s lifetime. Given that energy production is responsible for 60% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), these reductions align with Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to achieve a 47% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030.

Through this first-of-its-kind solar + battery initiative, largely replacing energy from diesel gensets, Justrite Superstores showcases the significant role that Nigeria’s Commercial and Industrial sectors can play in Nigeria’s energy transition.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth, meticulously researched news and information.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Will you support our newsroom with a modest donation to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?

Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (2)Speaking on the development, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale, Chairman of Justrite, noted, “The decision to switch to solar power and battery storage came from seeing our electricity costs rise year after year, eating into the heart of our business. It’s been very challenging to grapple with unreliable grid power and soaring diesel prices. ”.

He went further: “This transition marks a new chapter for Justrite, an example I hope other chain stores will consider —not just for their own benefit but also as a step towards Nigeria’s sustainable growth”.

Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy, also commented, “We have been thrilled to work with the pioneering and visionary grocery chain, Justrite, to see West Africa’s first-of-its-kind solar + battery plant of this scale for a retail business come to life. Despite its complexities, it took less than eight months for Empower and its technical partners, Powercell and Huawei, to bring the project through the stages of contracting, detailed design, procurement, import certification, construction, and commissioning. This project shows the powerful role that decentralised solar investments in the C & I sector can play for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to meet its sustainability targets”

“In a time when Nigeria urgently needs foreign investments to implement its economic and energy transition, we are extremely happy and proud to see Empower New Energy leading the way through this innovative investment here in Nigeria. Renewable energy is a winner for business, environment and climate. This project further strengthens the partnership between our two nations,” said Svein Bæra, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria.

Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (3)“Energy is the foundation of industry and commerce development in Nigeria. Renewable energy such as photovoltaic has ushered in the best development era. Huawei Digital Power helps Justrite build the first green supermarket in Nigeria and even in West Africa. We will also provide the high-quality, high-reliability, and high-security smart PV and energy storage system solutions for Nigeria. This solution will help many companies greatly reduce the cost of fuel and improve the stability and safety of electricity production,” said Jie Lu, Huawei Nigeria CEO & Chairman.

For further inquiries,contact:

Empower New Energyrobo@empowernewenergy.com+234 806 270 4684
Justrite Superstoreonagoruwa@justriteonline.com+234 8023833406
Powercell Limitedtayo.balogun@powercelllimited.com+234 814 957 7771
Huawei Digital Powernizhilin@huawei.com+234 905 766 6666

Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

AtPremium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basisto help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?

Make Contribution

TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999

Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (4)

Empower New Energy delivers first-of-its-kind solar battery energy storage system for Justrite Superstores (2024)

FAQs

What are three drawbacks to storing solar energy in batteries? ›

A: The main cons are the high upfront costs, needing dedicated space for installation, more complexity in system design, and more maintenance of parts. Q: What types of solar batteries are available? A: Common options are saltwater/flow, lithium-ion batteries, and LPF(lithium iron phosphate).

What is the first battery energy storage system? ›

As the first-ever battery energy storage system specifically procured to replace a natural gas peaker plant in the U.S., the AES Alamitos BESS' impact was immediately measurable: If not for the energy storage project, Southern California Edison would have contracted two natural gas plants to replace the San Onofre ...

How long can solar energy be stored in a battery? ›

Generally, a standard solar battery will hold a charge for 1-5 days.

Why can't solar energy be stored? ›

Why Is Solar Energy Storage So Difficult? Unlike fossil fuels and other energy sources, solar energy production is less predictable. It can fluctuate seasonally and even hour to hour as local weather changes.

Is it worth getting battery storage with solar panels? ›

Solar battery storage is the ideal addition to a solar panel system. It can hugely increase your savings from the electricity your panels generate, allow you to profit from buying and selling grid electricity, protect you from energy price rises and power cuts, and shrink your carbon footprint.

How long will a 10kW battery last? ›

An average household uses up to 750W to a 1000W of electricity during a blackout or power outage situation; assuming they are only using what is necessary to keep things up and going. In that case a 10kW AKA 10,000W battery has the ability to back you up for 10 to 12 hours at a stretch.

How long do battery storage systems last? ›

How Long Will Solar Batteries Last? Most solar batteries on the market today will last somewhere between five to 15 years. While that is a significant amount of time, you'll likely need to replace them within your solar system's 25 to 30+ year lifespan.

How much solar battery storage do I need? ›

If the energy and power needs of the home are relatively basic, a 10- to 14-kWh battery is sufficient. However, you'll need more energy storage batteries if you want to run heavier loads during grid outages, like an air conditioner, hot tub, or electric heating system.

Is battery storage safe? ›

In normal operation, energy storage facilities do not release pollutants to the air or waterways. Like all energy technologies, batteries can present chemistry-specific hazards under fault conditions.

How much is a Tesla powerwall? ›

Purchasing one Powerwall with installation through Tesla costs $11,500. You can also order a Powerwall without installation through the Tesla website for $9,200. The total cost of your Tesla Powerwall system depends on how many units you buy, your solar installer and where you live.

What are the waste by products of solar energy? ›

Solar panel waste can include heavy metals such as silver, lead, arsenic and cadmium that – at certain levels – may be classified as hazardous waste.

What is the cheapest way to store solar energy? ›

So Which is The Cheapest Way to Store Solar Energy? If you're balancing loads for a few minutes or hours, batteries are the most cost-effective option. But if you need large amounts of storage to cover days and seasons, then the cheapest way to store solar energy is Pumped Hydro.

Why solar energy is not popular? ›

There are a number of reasons why solar energy is not widely used: Cost: The high cost of solar equipment and panels can prevent its wider adoption. Infrastructure: Installing large-scale solar energy systems necessitates a major investment in infrastructure, such as power grids and storage options.

Why should we not use solar energy? ›

Some types of PV cell technologies use heavy metals, and these types of cells and PV panels may require special handling when they reach the end of their useful life. Some solar thermal systems use potentially hazardous fluids to transfer heat, and leaks of these materials could be harmful to the environment.

What 3 main drawbacks solar energy currently have? ›

Disadvantages of Solar Energy
  • High Cost of Solar Panels. ...
  • Sunlight Dependent. ...
  • Installation Can Be Difficult. ...
  • Space Constraints. ...
  • Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive. ...
  • Environmental Impact of Manufacturing. ...
  • Difficulty With Relocation. ...
  • Scarcity of Materials.
Jun 24, 2024

What are the disadvantages of battery energy? ›

However, they also come with drawbacks such as cost, limited lifespan, safety concerns, environmental impact, and temperature sensitivity.

What are the limitations of solar batteries? ›

However, they also have some disadvantages, including high upfront costs, limited capacity, maintenance requirements, and safety concerns. Before investing in a solar battery system, homeowners should carefully consider their energy needs and budget and the potential benefits and drawbacks of solar batteries.

What are the disadvantages of solar-powered rechargeable batteries? ›

Solar batteries capture and store energy from the sun. They provide backup power during outages and when the sun isn't shining, and they support homeowners and businesses that want to be more energy independent. The primary disadvantages of solar storage are cost, capacity limitations, and environmental impacts.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 5738

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.