Nigeria’s largest telecommunications operator, MTN Nigeria, has entered into a major renewable energy partnership aimed at significantly reducing its reliance on diesel-powered infrastructure while strengthening the resilience of its nationwide network operations.
The company signed an agreement with First WATT Renewable Limited to deploy large-scale solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage solutions across critical telecommunications facilities nationwide. The initiative is expected to deliver approximately 34 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity and 40 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage at key MTN sites, including data centres, switching centres, cable landing stations, and customer service facilities, reported by Ecofinagency
The move comes as telecom operators continue to grapple with soaring energy costs driven by Nigeria’s unreliable power supply and increasing diesel prices. Energy remains one of the largest operational expenses for telecommunications companies, many of which depend heavily on generators to maintain uninterrupted network services.
Under the agreement, renewable energy infrastructure will also power electric vehicle charging stations at eight MTN locations across the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, and Asaba. The initiative combines clean energy generation, battery storage, and e-mobility infrastructure, positioning MTN at the forefront of sustainable telecommunications operations in Nigeria.
According to the partners, the project is expected to eliminate approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the next five years while improving power reliability for critical network infrastructure. The deployment is designed to reduce dependence on diesel-based systems, lower operating emissions, and enhance operational uptime across MTN’s network.
MTN Nigeria said the initiative aligns with its sustainability strategy under Project Zero, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and expanding the use of renewable energy across its operations. The company has already implemented several energy-efficiency measures aimed at lowering fuel consumption and reducing its carbon footprint.
What You Need to Know
- MTN Nigeria has partnered with First WATT Renewable Limited to deploy solar and battery storage systems nationwide.
- The project will provide 34MWp of solar capacity and 40MWh of battery storage.
- Renewable energy systems will support critical telecom infrastructure and EV charging stations.
- The initiative is expected to reduce diesel consumption and avoid about 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over five years.
Implications
The agreement highlights a growing shift within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector toward cleaner and more cost-effective energy solutions. As demand for data, cloud services, artificial intelligence, and 5G connectivity rises, reliable power infrastructure is becoming increasingly critical. By reducing diesel dependence, MTN aims to lower long-term operating costs while improving network reliability and environmental performance.
Conclusion
MTN Nigeria’s renewable energy partnership represents one of the most significant clean energy deployments in the country’s telecom industry. Beyond supporting sustainability goals, the investment is expected to strengthen network resilience, reduce operating costs, and provide a model for how large technology and telecommunications companies can transition away from diesel-powered operations.
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