Project: Net-Zero village

Country & region/location: Nigeria, Isokan - Osun State

Category: Energy & Community

The lack of access to electricity in Nigeria affects approximately 85 million individuals, posing significant challenges to local communities and the national economy. This absence of power hinders small businesses, struggling to operate and ultimately closing down, and disrupts agricultural activities, causing substantial post-harvest losses for farmers across the country.

The Isokan Community, home to over 10,000 people, faces a similar issue with energy access. The majority of its residents, are productive use traders in agriculture (mainly palm oil processing) and rely on petrol or diesel generators for electricity due to the community's remote location—approximately 85km away from the main grid. The dispersed nature of their living arrangements and low affordability means that it could take up to 12 years for the main grid to reach them. As a result, significant post-harvest losses of crucial agricultural produce like maize, yam, cassava, and pears occur during transportation to markets. The affordability of energy systems remains a challenge, particularly as most inhabitants earn less than $3 a day.

To address these challenges, PAM Africa has developed the Net Zero Village (NZV) project. The NZV represents an innovative, holistic approach to energy access designed to achieve carbon neutrality while improving energy availability. Leveraging innovative technologies such as Solar Mesh-Grids, Solar Mini-Grids, Solar Battery Hubs, So-Cool Systems, and E-mobility solutions, the NZV aims to offer affordable, clean, and reliable energy access. By offsetting more greenhouse gas emissions than it generates, the NZV not only mitigates climate change but also enhances the residents' quality of life. It is a sustainable and forward-thinking model that sets a new standard for community development and energy access.

The business model involves an energy-as-a-service approach through PAYGO solutions, primarily targeting productive use customers. Remote monitoring systems will support customers and ensure timely payments for energy services rendered. This approach ensures sustainability and efficient energy provision while catering to the community's specific needs.

Expected results:

• Energy access to over 300 connections in the Isokan community
• 3 MSME’s (Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in the community will have access to the So-Cool Kiosk, a multipurpose kiosk for smallholder traders
• Provide 24/7 affordable energy to the primary health centre in the Isokan community
• Palm oil processing machines used by the farmers will be able to increase production by 35% improving economic opportunities for smallholder traders
• Hiring 7 people and empowering the local community through training and capacity-building programs
• Integration of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, reducing 18,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions

Impact (results)