Transforming Lives and Powering Communities
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one characterized by innovation, impact, and growth at SAO Energy. We have stayed true to our mission of continuously working to bridge Nigeria’s energy gap by providing clean, reliable power to underserved communities, healthcare facilities, and small businesses. With our team of dedicated professionals, we have reached new heights, creating transformative change in communities across the nation.
This year, our commitment to powering brighter futures led us to provide electricity to over 80 rural communities that had endured nearly two decades of darkness. These efforts have not only revitalised healthcare delivery but also boosted local economies and strengthened the social fabric of these regions.
SAO Energy had some significant wins:
- We were selected as one of the developers for the SE4ALL UEF Electrification Program.
- We received a grant from the Health and Telecommunications Alliance in collaboration with Power Africa and USAID to participate in the Sustainable Electrification for PHCs Project.
- We were one of the nine grant awardees for the Advancing Healthcare and Sustainability Project under the Access to Energy (A2E) program by Energias De Portugal. (Read the press release [here]).
- We were selected as one of the recipients of the United States Africa Development Foundation grant scheme.
- We received a prestigious award for “Emerging Solar EPC Company in Nigeria” at Solar Week Nigeria 2024.
- We joined the renowned Alliance for Rural Electrification, a global business association representing 200 members along the distributed renewable energy value chain. The association works to expand sustainable electricity access, create jobs, and respond to climate change in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America (www.ruralelec.org).
- We participated in the Stakeholders Engagement Workshop organised by the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria.
- Through our Equipment Financing Program, we supplied 30 medical equipment units to health facilities and 135 electrical equipment units to households and small businesses.
- We trained nurses and community members on the basic maintenance of solar equipment and troubleshooting to enhance its usage.
- We expanded our Energy as a Service business model by signing a landmark agreement with a collecting agent to facilitate ease of payments and revenue collection from over 300 clients.
Spotlighting Projects That Made a Difference
In partnership with the Health and Telecommunications Alliance—a collaboration with USAID and Power Africa—we connected 30 basic healthcare centres and 90 households and businesses under the Sustainable Electrification of PHCs project. These installations had a profound impact: nighttime neonatal mortality rates were eliminated, vaccine wastage dropped to almost zero, and local businesses and households gained reliable electricity—stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life.
We replaced diesel generators with a 10 kW solar system at the offices of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency—one of our key partners in our electrification journey. This switch cut operational costs while reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 29,346 kgCO2e annually.
Through our Equipment Financing Program, we made solar-powered devices more accessible, equipping healthcare facilities and households with tools that enhance daily operations and overall well-being.
A Glimpse into the Ago Pannu Project
The Ago Pannu Project showcases how a 5 kW solar system and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) improved healthcare delivery, increased staff retention, and boosted hospital visits. Mrs. Ishola Ramat Abiodun highlighted its transformative impact on community health. Discover more about this impactful initiative [here].
Recognition and Looking Ahead
In September, SAO Energy’s groundbreaking work was celebrated with the Solar Innovation Award at The Solar Week Nigeria. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to tackling energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative and sustainable solutions.
As we look toward 2025, we are driven by the momentum of this year’s successes. Our plans include expanding solar access through Micro/Mini Grid projects in urban and peri-urban areas while scaling up mesh-grid projects in more rural areas.
The journey ahead in 2025 is filled with exciting opportunities to deepen our impact, foster sustainable development, and power more communities through mini-grids and decentralised renewable energy solutions.
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one characterized by innovation, impact, and growth at SAO Energy. We have stayed true to our mission of continuously working to bridge Nigeria’s energy gap by providing clean, reliable power to underserved communities, healthcare facilities, and small businesses. With our team of dedicated professionals, we have reached new heights, creating transformative change in communities across the nation.
This year, our commitment to powering brighter futures led us to provide electricity to over 80 rural communities that had endured nearly two decades of darkness. These efforts have not only revitalised healthcare delivery but also boosted local economies and strengthened the social fabric of these regions.
As we look toward 2025, we are driven by the momentum of this year’s successes. Our plans include expanding solar access through Micro/Mini Grid projects in urban and peri-urban areas while scaling up mesh-grid projects in more rural areas.
The journey ahead in 2025 is filled with exciting opportunities to deepen our impact, foster sustainable development, and power more communities through mini-grids and decentralised renewable energy solutions.