We are excited to announce that Sleekabyte UK Limited, in collaboration with Citibim Nigeria Limited, has been selected to receive funding for the MobACE project under the Zero Emission Generators (ZE-Gen) Technology Accelerator. ZE-Gen is a collaborative initiative led by the Carbon Trust and Innovate UK, with support from the IKEA Foundation and UK aid through the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund. Launched at COP27 with an initial commitment of over £19 million and an ambition to scale to £100 million, ZE-Gen is designed to tackle barriers, accelerate innovation and fund activities to build a thriving, competitive market for renewable alternatives to fossil-fuelled generators.
MobACE is a mobile renewable energy solution designed to bridge the gap in Nigeria’s energy sector by offering affordable, flexible, and sustainable power to the country’s most vulnerable communities. In a nation where energy shortages and frequent power outages leave millions of households and businesses without consistent access to electricity, MobACE’s Mobile Solar Generator with Modular Battery Capsules provides a reliable alternative. This solution is specifically tailored to meet the needs of low-income households and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in underserved areas, reducing reliance on polluting, fossil-fuel-based generators.
MobACE’s Economic Impacts:
MobACE will offer a range of economic benefits to communities across Nigeria. The project is expected to significantly lower energy costs for MSMEs and low-income households by providing affordable, reliable electricity. This will allow small businesses to operate more efficiently, especially during frequent power outages, thus enhancing their productivity and profitability.
Additionally, MobACE will stimulate the local economy by utilising domestic supply chains for manufacturing, retail, and maintenance. The project will create new business opportunities and jobs by sourcing components locally, contributing to the country’s overall economic growth. The project will also reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fossil-fuel generators, conserving valuable foreign exchange reserves and promoting energy independence. This shift from fossil fuel-based to locally produced renewable energy solutions has the potential to attract foreign investment, particularly as Nigeria positions itself as a leader in renewable energy innovation.
The MobACE initiative aligns closely with the Nigerian government’s priority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With Nigeria’s carbon emissions soaring to 304.27 MtCO2e in 2022, the country faces growing pressure to cut its carbon footprint. MobACE is positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce emissions and meet its international climate commitments by encouraging the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies.
MobACE’s Social Impacts:
MobACE is set to have a transformative social impact by improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. Access to reliable and affordable energy will alleviate the difficulties caused by frequent power cuts, ensuring that households have the electricity they need to power essential appliances, lighting, and communication devices. This improved energy access will enhance living conditions and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.
In addition to improving energy access, the MobACE project will create manufacturing, installation, and maintenance jobs, offering valuable employment opportunities in urban and rural areas. These jobs will help reduce unemployment and equip workers with skills in the growing renewable energy sector, positioning them for future employment opportunities.
The project’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions will also help mitigate climate change’s social and environmental challenges. By avoiding CO2 emissions, MobACE will reduce the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. The project’s focus on renewable energy will help to protect these communities from the long-term impacts of climate change, including displacement and loss of livelihoods.
A Brighter Future for Nigeria
MobACE is more than a renewable energy project – it’s a vision for a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. By addressing the country’s energy challenges, reducing costs, and promoting environmental stewardship, MobACE sets the stage for a cleaner, greener future. Supported by the ZE-Gen initiative, this transformative project is ready to empower communities, drive economic growth, and secure Nigeria’s place as a leader in renewable energy innovation.
Join us on this journey toward sustainability and progress. Together, we can create a brighter future for Nigeria.