By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A grant of $395,000 has been given to a renewable energy company, Ceesolar Energy Limited, for the provision of a mini-grip power project in the Niger Delta.
The funding support was provided by a Shell-funded Nigerian impact investment firm, All On, as part of its commitment to sustainable development and economic growth in the oil-rich region.
Business Post gathered that All On established the Niger Delta Grant programme to empower off-grid developers to bring clean, reliable power to underserved communities.
Ceesolar Energy specialises in solar system design and construction, and energy system deployment, and is expected to use the grant to bridge the energy gap in the Niger Delta region.
The energy firm was picked from a shortlist of 15 developers after a rigorous selection process conducted by All On and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN).
Their proven track record operating in the Niger Delta and their existing project pipeline within Bayelsa State made them a compelling choice.
The Niger Delta, despite its abundance of natural resources, faces significant energy access challenges, but Ceesolar Energy will utilise the funds to bring off-grid power to the Oweighoroha community in Bayelsa State, providing essential electricity for 430 connections, empowering residents with both social and productive-use applications.
“We are delighted to announce the grant to Ceesolar Energy,” the chief executive of All On, Ms Caroline Eboumbou, said, noting that, “This signing signifies our unwavering commitment, alongside Shell, to fostering a brighter future for the Niger Delta.
“This decision reflects Bayelsa’s critical importance to All on, which is determined to address the significant lack of access to commercial electrification opportunities that the communities have endured.
“The presence of Country Chair of the Sustainable Energy for Change Initiative, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), Mr Osagie Okunbor, at the signing ceremony underscored the programme’s significance and the commitment of Shell’s All On in driving positive change across the Niger Delta.”
Also commenting, Mr Okunbor said, “The Niger Delta holds immense potential. By providing grants, we can empower developers and contribute to closing the energy gap, one community at a time.
“Our aim is to ensure that the project is sustainable; this is the reason we went through the rigorous selection process. Protecting the mini-grid is crucial; we seek the cooperation of the leaders and residents of the community to prevent vandalism because the success of this project will pave the way for more initiatives not from All On alone but from other organisations.”
On his part, the chief executive of Ceesolar Energy, Mr Chibueze Ekeh, said, “We are excited and honoured be awarded this grant.
“At Ceesolar Energy we are passionate about reducing carbon footprints through sustainable energy impacts. The Niger Delta is a region that needs sustainable energy impact; hence, this grant is timely to provide the impact to 2,000 people in the Oweighoroha community through the provision of mini-grids.”
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka