Empower New Energy has signed a new agreement with Justrite Superstores to expand their solar and battery energy installations to 11 additional store locations, bringing the total to 21 across southwestern Nigeria, in a major step forward for Nigeria’s green energy transition.
The deal marks the second phase of a transformative sustainability partnership that began in 2024 and represents one of the largest commercial solar rollouts in West Africa.
Following the successful deployment of solar-plus-battery systems at 10 Justrite locations last year, Phase II of the project will extend clean, reliable power to more stores across Lagos and Ogun states.
The expansion is underpinned by a combined investment of $11 million, with $4.5 million dedicated to Phase II alone.
“Our Phase I journey with Empower and Powercell has been transformative,” said Ayo Aderinwale, founder and chairman of Justrite Superstores. “We now have a proven model for cutting energy costs, reducing emissions, and improving reliability. That success gave us the confidence to move ahead with Phase II.”
The systems, designed and implemented by Empower’s technical partner Powercell Limited, combine solar PV with advanced battery storage technology supplied by Huawei Digital Power.
This hybrid setup ensures uninterrupted power supply, reduces dependence on diesel generators, and offers long-term cost savings, key concerns in Nigeria’s volatile energy landscape.
“Justrite is a great example of what’s possible when a partner sees the real-world impact of clean energy,” said Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy. “This expansion is a testament to what can be achieved through bold vision and close collaboration. We’re proud to be part of this journey.”
Phase II will deliver an additional 2,800 kWp of solar PV and 5,600 kWh of battery storage, generating over 8,000 MWh of clean electricity annually. The result: estimated annual savings of approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ and creation of around 130 new jobs, both directly and indirectly.
The renewable energy initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, which include reducing national carbon emissions by 47 per cent by 2030.
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With 60 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions tied to energy production, such commercial and industrial projects are crucial to achieving those goals.
Founded in 2001, Justrite Superstores has grown into Nigeria’s leading family-owned retail department store chain, with 31 locations and more than 2,000 employees.
The company’s strong commitment to domestic supply chains and sustainable development has made it a flagship example of responsible growth in the retail sector.
The solar rollout also reinforces the role of blended finance in scaling climate-friendly infrastructure in emerging markets.
Empower New Energy’s work is supported by Norfund and CFM’s Climate Investor One, co-funded by the European Union, enhancing their ability to deliver innovative energy solutions across Africa.
From clean energy generation to local job creation, the partnership between Empower New Energy and Justrite Superstores stands as a compelling model for how the private sector can drive sustainable, inclusive development in Nigeria’s fast-growing economy.
