Nigeria is projected to achieve 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy capacity by 2035, according to data from GlobalData, a London-based analytics and consulting firm.
The company shared with pv magazine that Nigeria’s solar capacity stood at 179 megawatts (MW) at the end of 2024. This is expected to rise to 255 MW by the end of this year. Solar deployment is forecast to grow steadily, reaching 678 MW by 2030. By 2033, the country is predicted to hit 1 GW of solar capacity, growing further to 1.5 GW by 2035.
GlobalData’s report on Nigeria’s power market trends through 2035 also highlights the broader renewable energy sector. This includes hydro, onshore wind, and biopower projects, which together with solar, are expected to reach nearly 800 MW by 2030 and 1.7 GW by 2035.
Solar energy stands out as a key investment area due to Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Masterplan. Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, noted that energy poverty and unreliable electricity supply are the main drivers for solar adoption in the country.
The report also points to growth in Nigeria’s distributed solar power (DSP) market. Advances in solar technology and new financing models are making solar solutions more viable and scalable.
Saibasan said DSPs have significant potential in Nigeria. “The Rural Electrification Agency is implementing a broad strategy that includes both energy service company-led and utility-led models. This aims to speed up electrification through grid expansion and green minigrid deployment,” he explained.
The focus is on electrifying key areas such as market clusters, manufacturing centers, schools, universities, and healthcare facilities using solar photovoltaic (PV) and hybrid solar PV-diesel systems.
Since the start of the year, several large-scale solar projects have been announced in Nigeria. These include a 100 MW solar-plus-storage deal and plans for a 1.2 GW solar module assembly plant.
