Husk Power and Olam Agri Launch Solar Project to Power Rice-Processing in Nigeria

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Husk Power Systems has partnered with Olam Agri to launch a commercial and industrial (C&I) solar energy project in Nigeria’s rice-producing Rukubi region in Nasarawa State. As part of this collaboration, Husk will install a 1.3 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with an 860 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Olam Agri’s rice facility. The move aims to reduce diesel dependency and promote sustainable energy use in agriculture.

Olu Aruike, Husk’s Nigeria Country Director, stated that the initiative aligns with Husk’s long-term strategy to deploy hundreds of megawatts of C&I solar capacity across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa within the next five years. Husk, a leader in Nigeria’s community solar mini-grid space, is expanding its focus on decarbonising vital sectors like agriculture through clean energy partnerships.

Under a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA), Husk will supply reliable solar-generated power to Olam Agri. The hybrid system is designed to stabilise voltage, cut fuel costs, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. This effort complements Olam Agri’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes energy-efficient upgrades at its facilities, the use of cleaner fuels, and waste reduction strategies.

Olam Agri’s solar-powered rice mill, commissioned in 2024, marks a key milestone in its green energy transition. Anil Nair of Olam Agri emphasised that this partnership not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to Nigeria’s renewable energy targets and inspires wider adoption of sustainable agriculture practices.

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The companies noted that Nigeria’s supportive regulatory framework is encouraging private-sector investments in renewables. The C&I solar market in Nigeria is on a growth trajectory, with an estimated 550 MW of new capacity expected between 2025 and 2029.