Solad, ASU collaborate on feasibility studies for mini grids

Solad Power Group, a distributed energy solutions provider in Nigeria, has agreed to a partnership with Arizona State University to utilise the university’s proprietary artificial intelligence data platform to assess mini-grid projects in Nigeria quickly and efficiently. 

As a participant in the World Bank-supported Rural Electrification Agency Mini-Grid programme, Solad is rolling out solar solutions to markets across Nigeria, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the company has a near-term pipeline of 12 priority projects.

It said, “The partnership with ASU’s Laboratory For Energy and Power Solutions enables the accelerated deployment of 25 new sites.

“Data will be collected through LEAPS’ existing partnerships with YouthMappers and Nigerian universities, whose students will deepen their knowledge of and exposure to distributed energy solutions.”

Solad’s Chairman Constantine Ogunbiyi, said, “We are proud to be collaborating with the largest research university in the United States. By combining ASU’s unique data platform with our own project portfolio and market access, we can deliver new power solutions much more efficiently.

“This means we can rapidly expand and validate our project pipeline while ASU grows its knowledge and understanding of market viability with Nigerian students participating in the process. Once the first phase is successful, we intend to expand collaboration to include hundreds of additional sites.”

The Director of ASU LEAPS, Dr Nathan Johnson, said the public-private partnership with Solad would accelerate identification and development of mini-grid sites to expand access to reliable, affordable, and renewable energy.

“The technical analysis provided by ASU is paired with innovative business models by Solad to create bankable mini-grid investments that address the goals of all stakeholders. Solad’s approach provides a tangible return on investment to facilitate site expansion and economic development,” he added.