RMI have just released a report that points to a new Renewable Embedded Generation (REG) business model to enable energy developers to provide improved electricity services in Nigeria.

The report posits embedded generation could give Nigerian electricity distribution companies (Discos) a way to improve their supply of electricity to customers without relying on the problematic national grid. At the same time they would still maintain control of their franchise area.

Unlocking Renewable Embedded Generation in Nigeria will be of particular interest to Discos which struggle to take advantage of embedded generation in Nigeria. This is mostly because of concerns around their ability to pay for electricity purchased.

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Nigeria’s national grid suffers frequent and extensive power outages because of outdated infrastructure and insufficient capacity. Electricity users supplement their power supply with self-generation, mainly through diesel generators. These are expensive to run, create air pollution and contribute to the country’s growing CO2 emissions profile.

Suleiman Babamanu, Nigeria Director of RMI’s Africa Energy , says reducing customer reliance on expensive self-generation means the REG business model would decrease the overall cost of electricity and limit exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.

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“As donors, investors and governments increasingly seek to align their investment portfolios with net-zero targets, we strongly encourage them to support integration and scaling of renewable energies into the grid through this model,” said Babamanu.

“Increased diesel prices [because of the Ukraine conflict’s effect on global fuel prices] improve the business case for REG and the energy transition plan will hopefully encourage more investment in such initiatives,” said Sakhi Shah, RMI Africa Energy Program senior associate told ESI Africa.

Lion’s Head Global Partners (LHGP) assisted RMI by establishing investor needs and how to structure the business model to ensure investors were comfortable with the framework. They also helped facilitate workshops and reviewed key inputs for the financial modelling.

“In addition, Lion’s Head also engaged and cultivated relationships with key financial sector stakeholders as well as obtained agreement/alignment with the business model to ensure the successful delivery of the project,” said Shah.

Using the REG business model, the Disco would be responsible for initiating a project by way of identifying a site and collecting preliminary data. Then it has to procure a developer to execute the project, Shah explained.

“In terms of distribution of roles, the Disco is responsible for project initiation and development procurement and then a developer comes in to lead project development and construction. As for ownership, the developer owns all generation assets while the Disco owns the distribution assets.

“Partners and contractors can assist the Discos to do data collection for initial pilots, and ongoing capacity building will mean Discos have improved ability to collect data going forward,” she said.

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The study suggests an adequate blend of solar PV, battery storage and thermal gas generation in the model increases electricity supply for all customers. It should also enable 24/7 reliable power to end users.

The model potentially presents an attractive investment opportunity for developers and climate-aligned financiers. The model’s collaborative approach means access for a large customer pool for the distributed energy resources (DER) developers. It also means significant investment opportunities for financiers.

The REG business model has the potential to scale embedded generation and incorporate distributed energy resources into Nigeria’s grid to improve reliability.

Next up would be executing demonstration projects to showcase the REG business model. RMI has already identified pilot projects to implement in the next phase.

RMI expects proving the REG business model works will happen much faster than setting up their Commercial Undergrid Minigrids Project. This is because there is now more support and momentum for implementation.

“Embedded generation is not a completely new business model and there are some projects in operation, unlike the Undergrid Minigrid which was the first of its kind.

“In addition, since Mokoloki was developed, Discos have gained more experience with supporting DER projects, there are more investment funds available for clean energy DERs, and developers are more experienced so projects can move a little bit faster,” said Shah.

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Though RMI have not yet researched the matter, she said there could be potential to adapt the business model to other countries.

The Unlocking Renewable Embedded Generation in Nigeria report is based on a feasibility study supported by a grant from the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions Program (UK PACT). It provides:

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