Empower New Energy has partnered with UBA, Africa's Global Bank, and Renewvia, to commission solar systems in 25 branches across Nigeria

In a significant stride toward advancing sustainable banking operations and deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Norway, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa's Global Bank, has commissioned renewable systems across 25 UBA branches in five Nigerian states. The project is financed by Empower New Energy, and will be implemented in cooperation Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited and Incremental Energy Solutions (IES).

The initiative was formalised at the official ceremony held at the UBA Oba Akran 2 branch, Ikeja-Lagos Nigeria on October 22nd by Norway's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment to sustainable investment and innovation in Nigeria, a key message emphasized by UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, during the recent Norwegian–Africa Business Summit held in Oslo, where he urged global partners to view Africa not as an aid destination, but as a continent of opportunity and enterprise.

“Africa needs partners, not charity,” Elumelu stated in Oslo, calling for deeper collaboration built on mutual respect, entrepreneurship, and investment.

Representatives from Empower New Energy, Norwegian Embassy, Renewvia and UBA in Nigeria.

Long-term Nordic-African innovation and partnership

The partnership between Empower New Energy, UBA, Renewvia Solar Nigeria embodies that call, channelling Nordic investment and African innovation into tangible, long-term impact.

Financed by Empower New Energy, a leading Norway-based renewable investment company, and supported by Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), the project will deliver the first phase of 152,000 kWh of clean energy monthly, reducing UBA’s carbon footprint by over 89,000 kilograms of CO₂ each month.

Renewia will in partnership with Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), structured and secured a long-term Power-as-a-Service-agreement with UBA to deliver clean and reliable energy across its operations backed by investment from Empower New Energy through a 10-year equipment lease agreement, enabling the full deployment of advanced solar and battery systems.

The installed hybrid systems are providing UBA branches with superior power reliability, ensuring uninterrupted operations, improved customer experience, and extended lifespan of electronic infrastructure. Upon full rollout, the initiative will cover 50 locations across 18 states, totalling 3 MWp of solar capacity and 7 MWh of energy storage.

This collaboration underscores UBA’s position as a bank at the forefront of sustainability, integrating renewable energy to power its operations and reduce emissions. It also highlights the crucial role of Nordic investment through Empower New Energy in accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner, more reliable energy systems. 

CEO in Empower New Energy, Terje Osmundsen, at the ceremony.

“This partnership with UBA marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver reliable, clean energy to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria. We are proud to support UBA’s leadership in sustainability and operational excellence,” said Adebowale Dosunmu, Managing Director, Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited. 

“At UBA, we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but a key part of building Africa’s future. This project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact — reducing our carbon footprint, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to a cleaner environment. We are proud to work with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, Incremental Energy Solutions, and Empower New Energy to make this vision a reality,” said Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, in United Bank for Africa Plc.

"We appreciate the cooperation and proactiveness of the UBA management team, whose support helped bring this remarkable project and partnership to life. We at IES are particularly pleased that this success reinforces our commitment to helping Africa claim its rightful place in global energy investment and technology deployment,” said Oladipupo Omodara, CEO, Incremental Energy Solutions (IES) Ltd. 

“Empower New Energy is proud to be the financing partner for landmark project with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, supporting UBA’s commitment to cleaner and more reliable energy. This partnership reflects our mission to enable African businesses to access sustainable power through innovative financing. It also demonstrates the strength of Nordic-African cooperation in accelerating the transition to renewable energy,” said Terje Osmundsen, CEO, Empower New Energy. 

“This partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic investment and innovative practices. It represents not just an energy milestone, but a strong statement of shared commitment to sustainable growth and climate responsibility,” said Mr 

Svein Bæra, Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria. 

About Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited 

Renewvia Solar Nigeria, a subsidiary of Renewvia Energy Corporation (USA), designs, finances, builds, and operates renewable energy systems across Africa. The company delivers hybrid and solar-plus-storage projects for commercial, industrial, and community clients committed to reliable and sustainable power solutions. 

About Incremental Energy Solutions (IES) 

Incremental Energy Solutions is a Nigerian renewable energy development firm specializing in business origination, structuring, and project facilitation. IES partners with developers and financiers to bring bankable, high-impact energy projects to life. 

About Empower New Energy 

Empower New Energy is a leading Nordic renewable energy investment company providing long-term financing for solar and clean-energy projects across Africa. Through innovative partnerships, Empower enables businesses to access affordable clean power while contributing to sustainable economic growth. 

About United Bank for Africa (UBA) 

United Bank for Africa Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, operating in 20 African countries and three global financial centers. UBA continues to pioneer sustainability in African banking by integrating renewable energy and environmental responsibility into its operations.