By Kelechi Onuigbo
In Nigeria today, energy is no longer merely an utility; it has become a survival strategy. Amid frequent national grid failures and soaring fuel costs, businesses, institutions, and households are taking control of their power supply like never before. A silent revolution is unfolding, one that will soon see alternative power systems, particularly solar and hybrid solutions, overtake the national grid in both capacity and reliability.
This transition is not speculative but backed by data and on-the-ground realities. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) recently reported that Nigeria loses $29 billion annually due to power-related constraints. Meanwhile, more than 80 million Nigerians still lack access to reliable electricity, with many more experiencing daily outages that hinder productivity and economic growth. In response, a growing number of entities are turning away from the grid entirely. In 2024 alone, over 250 industrial players, universities, and public institutions disconnected from the national grid, opting instead for captive power solutions using solar, hybrid, and gas-powered systems.
The national grid, designed for a much earlier and less energy-intensive era, is struggling to meet modern demand. On average, it generates between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts, grossly inadequate for a country with a population exceeding 200 million. Decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, high transmission losses, and persistent governance issues have left the grid unable to guarantee consistent service. As a result, alternative power is no longer seen as a backup plan, it is increasingly the primary solution for powering homes, offices, and industries.
It is in response to this widening energy gap that PPC Limited has stepped into leadership role, delivering flexible and cost-effective power solutions across Nigeria. For over two decades, PPC’s Engineering and Power Division has deployed tailored solar and hybrid systems for clients across healthcare, manufacturing, education, commercial real estate, and government sectors. The conversation has shifted. Today, clients are no longer asking how to supplement grid power; they are asking how to replace it entirely, and with good reason.
Solar technology has advanced rapidly. The cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels has dropped by more than 80 per cent over the past decade. Battery storage systems have also become more efficient and affordable, enabling reliable power delivery well beyond daylight hours. When combined with smart energy management and hybrid designs, these systems provide businesses with control, scalability, and long-term cost savings.
More importantly, alternative energy offers independence. In a country where diesel prices are volatile and generator noise is part of daily life, having a stable and clean energy source is not only good economics, it’s a competitive advantage. Businesses now recognize that they can save significantly on operational costs, improve uptime, and reduce their carbon footprint simultaneously.
According to projections by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), decentralized energy solutions, especially solar, are expected to double in capacity across Africa by 2030. In Nigeria, the alternative power market is growing at an annual rate of over 25 per cent, with private sector installations now outpacing government-led projects. The momentum is clear and undeniable.
For industries, institutions, and large commercial entities with high energy demands, selecting the right power solutions partner is a critical business decision, one that directly impacts operational efficiency, resilience, and cost control. Before settling on any provider, clients must conduct a thorough assessment of their energy needs, usage patterns, and long-term goals. This process should begin with a comprehensive energy audit, which helps identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization.
Next, clients should look for firms that deliver end-to-end services, not just equipment sales. This includes bespoke system design, high-quality installations, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance support, as well as the ability to scale and upgrade systems as needs evolve. Just as important are flexible financing options, such as lease-to-own models, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or asset-backed funding, which make it easier to adopt alternative power without high upfront capital expenditure.
The alternative power boom is not a rejection of the national grid; it is the natural evolution of Nigeria’s energy journey. In this next chapter, distributed, smart, and renewable energy will take centre stage. As more businesses and communities choose to generate their power, we are witnessing the birth of a new, resilient energy economy, one that is people-driven, technology-powered, and future-focused.
PPC Limited is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. As the grid struggles to catch up, we are already building the systems that will power Nigeria’s next phase of sustainable growth.
•Engr. Onuigbo, PhD, is SMCIPE, PPC Limited