MTN Nigeria, First WATT launch 34MW green power plan for Telecom sites

Nigeria’s telecom sector continues to face persistent pressure from an unreliable grid and rising energy costs.

Operators have long depended on diesel generators to keep base stations and network systems running, a model that has increased operating expenses and emissions across the industry. 

MTN Nigeria is now taking a step toward reducing that dependence through a new partnership with First WATT Renewable Limited.

The agreement focuses on deploying a hybrid energy system built around solar power, battery storage and digital energy management across critical network infrastructure. 

The initiative reflects a wider shift in how telecom operators in Africa are approaching power supply, moving toward structured energy service arrangements rather than standalone backup generation.

For MTN Nigeria, network reliability is increasingly tied to energy stability as data usage expands across the country. 

The project also extends into electric mobility, adding early-stage charging infrastructure in selected cities where adoption remains limited but gradually increasing.

Hybrid energy rollout 

Under the agreement, the companies plan to deploy about 34 megawatts peak of solar photovoltaic capacity alongside 40 megawatt-hours of battery storage.

The system will support MTN Nigeria facilities, including data centers, switching stations, cable landing sites and service hubs. 

The design is aimed at reducing diesel consumption while providing a more stable power supply across high-demand locations.

The Energy-as-a-Service structure also allows MTN to access the system without bearing the full upfront cost of installation.

EV charging expansion 

The partnership includes plans to install 60-kilowatt electric vehicle charging stations across eight locations, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Asaba, Ojota, Ikoyi and Matori. 

The rollout is positioned to support early EV adoption in urban centers where charging access remains a key limitation. Industry stakeholders say infrastructure build-out will be critical as electric mobility slowly gains ground in Nigeria.

Emissions and operational strategy 

The companies estimate the project could help avoid about 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over five years, depending on system performance and usage patterns. 

“This partnership is a defining milestone for us and strengthens the energy backbone supporting Nigeria’s digital economy,” said Oluwole Eweje, chief executive officer of WATT Renewable Corporation.

MTN Nigeria said the initiative supports its efforts to reduce diesel reliance while maintaining service continuity.