2.5 MWp Solar Microgrid at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna
Commisioning of the EM-ONE solar microgrid at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna 13th May 2025
Nigeria took a bold step forward in its energy transition in May 2025. The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu (OFR, FCA, FCIB), has officially commissioned Phase 1 of the 2.5 MWp solar PV and 2 MWh energy storage microgrid at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
We at EM-ONE are proud to have developed and delivered this pioneering sustainable energy project – a 600 kWp solar PV system, 400 kWh battery storage system (BESS) – designed with a modular and scalable architecture to easily scale up. Work is already underway for Phase 2 to expand the capacity to 2.5 MWp PV and 2 MWh energy storage.
A model for Nigeria’s clean energy future
This commissioning was marked by a day-long event, attended by key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s power and defence sectors. The event included speeches from distinguished guests, including Chief Adebayo Adelabu (Honourable Minister for Power), Ak Ibrahim (Major General NDA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu (REA MD), Mir Islam (EM-ONE CEO), along with a site tour from EM-ONE engineer Bashir Babatunde, and a national media presence.
The system showcased not just a solar microgrid – but a national model. The project demonstrates how sustainable energy, delivered to global engineering standards, can solve the energy challenges of education and public facilities across Nigeria – a model for the rest of Africa.
The Honourable Minister of Power officially commissioning the plant with commemoration plaque
“We have built more than just a microgrid, we’ve built a benchmark for the future”
This partnership between the NDA, the Federal Ministry of Power and EM-ONE demonstrates a strong commitment to transform the country’s critical sectors with sustainable, smart and resilient energy infrastructure.
Powering national institutions, building national capacity
Phase 1 of the NDA microgrid introduces a system that will ensure the Nigerian Defence Academy will have access to reliable power for their military education and other activities at the site. Setting a strong precedent for this type of energy transition within defence and public institutions, by helping increase the overall share of renewables in their energy mix, lower annual energy expenditure and reliance on diesel - saving 1.07 tons for CO2 a year.
EM-ONE’s installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS), NDA Kaduna
NDA Microgrid project highlights include:
600kWp solar PV system
400kWh battery energy storage system (BESS)
2.5 MWp expansion of solar PV currently underway
2 MWh expansion to BESS currently underway
1071.6 Tone CO2 saved annually
Increased renewable use in NDA’s energy mix
Diesel offsetting lowering annual energy costs
Industry leading example of climate-friendly infrastructure
4 GEP trainees trained in installation & construction
Stable and reliable energy supply
Modular, flexible design
Scalable and replicable
Phase 2 is already underway to expand capacity up to 2.5 MWp solar and 2 MWh energy storage, deepening the benefits realised by the project: greater cost savings, increased energy independence and a power demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
The project was developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, under the leadership of Chief Adebayo Adelabu (OFR, FCA, FCIB).
For over a decade, EM-ONE have been leading the power and renewables sector, leveraging our strong local knowledge, strategic partnerships, and drive for high-quality standards. In this time EM-ONE has continually brought and developed global industry best practices, innovative technologies, and reliability [to all our projects].
EM-ONE brings together a consortium of local and global actors to effectively address Africa’s energy challenges. Our global headquarters is in Toronto, with regional headquarters in Nigeria and a regional office in Sierra Leone. We have a dedicate team of experts across Europe and India means, so we are always at the forefront of the latest developments, projects, and technologies.
With over 320 completed projects and a growing pipeline of 350 MW projects, we are committed to unleash all the opportunities that affordable, reliable, and sustainable power brings to Africa.
