The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has partnered with UK-based company, Entrust Microgrid to enhance the production of lithium batteries in Nigeria, to position the nation as a global leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
During the ceremony to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the Minister of FMIST, Chief Uche Nnaji emphasised that Entrust Microgrid partnership to Nigeria is significant and can lead to various benefits, including green job creation, deeper penetration of solar technology, and advanced technical capacity enhancement in Nigeria. He further revealed that over 3,000 lithium pegmatite bodies were discovered in Nigeria, which suggests that Nigeria can lead globally in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Lithium is a crucial element required for the manufacture of high-efficiency batteries used in electric vehicles, home and industrial applications.
The partnership between FMIST and Entrust Microgrid aims to create a new industry and market for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Nigeria, providing reliable and sustainable power solutions for Nigerian homes, organisations and industrial parks. It also aims to create highly skilled jobs and training opportunities for Nigerians, transfer sensitive and innovative technologies from Entrust Microgrid to its Nigerian subsidiary and monetise Nigeria’s abundant deposits of strategic metals, such as lithium and cadmium, and reduce the environmental impact of mining and waste disposal.
Nnaji noted that the partnership with Entrust Microgrid marks a turning point in the history of renewable energy in Nigeria and its ecosystem. He emphasised that Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape is still emerging and requires investment in technologies such as photovoltaics, wind turbines, compressed natural gas (CNG) and energy storage. Energy storage has been a significant global challenge due to the scarcity of premium minerals such as lithium, manganese, iron and phosphate.
This collaboration is expected to create more opportunities for renewable energy investments and enhance Nigeria’s energy transition efforts. It is significant that Nigeria, with its abundant natural resources, is taking a step towards renewable energy. The partnership between FMIST and Entrust Microgrid will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
