Solar Plus Storage: Revolutionising Nigerian Data Centres
The Nigerian data centre industry is poised for explosive growth, set to double its capacity from 116 megawatts (MW) in 2024 to 226MW by 2029. However, the country currently has to wrestle with unstable power grids and rising fuel costs, which inevitably have an impact on their wider technology industry.
With this in mind, Data Centre Magazine speaks exclusively with Sherisse Alexander, Chief Business Officer at WATT Renewable Corporation, about how solar plus storage solutions could be a game-changing solution for the country’s data centre sector. She explains that these technologies can not only promise reliable and cost-effective energy, but also a cleaner, quieter environment.
With these solutions, Sherisse also argues that Nigeria can access a brighter and better connected future.
Overcoming digital challenges in Nigeria
One of the primary challenges Nigeria faces, according to Sherisse, is the country’s unreliable electricity grid. The World Bank has previously estimated that roughly 85 million Nigerians do not have access to electricity from the national grid, with a lack of reliable power costing the country about 2% of its gross domestic product.
“According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Nigeria's grid collapsed 46 times between 2017 and 2023,” Sherisse explains. “This creates a pressing need for reliable and affordable power solutions, especially as we move away from traditional fossil fuel generators, which are becoming increasingly costly due to high fuel prices and scarcity.”
As a result of rising data centre emissions worldwide, more operators are starting to shift towards renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power and battery energy storage. Sherisse explains that there are examples of this in Nigeria too, despite businesses having been hesitant in the past due to the high costs associated with new technologies.
“Given the current dynamics of fuel pricing – where prices have soared and remain volatile – solar plus storage is becoming an economically viable alternative,” she says. “By entering into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), data centre operators can secure energy at a stable price while contributing to energy security and sustainability.”
What is solar plus storage?
Solar plus storage refers to the integration of a battery with solar energy, which could help businesses see greater renewable energy benefits than with solar alone.
Such a solution could be successfully integrated into Nigeria, despite the country’s concerns over space constraints, particularly in more urban areas.
“There are several innovative approaches to integrate solar plus storage into data centres,” Sherisse explains. “One option is through renewable PPAs, where electricity is sourced from an offsite generator. This format helps alleviate local grid constraints while providing price stability.
“Another approach is to co-locate edge data centres with solar installations. These smaller data centres, located on the outskirts of urban areas, can be paired with onsite renewable generation. As well as the roof, solar panels can be installed on carports, significantly contributing to the data centre’s energy needs.
“In urban settings, rooftop solar combined with battery storage remains a viable solution. While this might only cover a fraction of the energy required, it can provide critical backup power during outages and reduce reliance on the grid.”
Improving data accessibility for economic growth
The positive impacts of solar plus storage extend far beyond the data centre industry.
Sherisse explains: “Reliable access to data is essential for economic growth, with improved connectivity driving increases in GDP.
“There are also significant public health benefits. Reduced reliance on generators means less air and noise pollution—two major issues in Nigeria’s urban areas. For example, in Lagos, air pollution has been linked to over 11,200 premature deaths annually, with generators being a significant contributor to this.”
She adds: “Furthermore, noise pollution from generators is a serious concern across the country, with a study conducted in Kano finding that noise levels reached as high as 82 decibels (Db) - just a few decibels short of causing permanent hearing loss.
“By adopting solar plus storage, data centres can help mitigate these issues, leading to quieter, cleaner environments for local communities. This not only supports the growth of the data centre industry but also enhances the quality of life for Nigerian residents.”
Data centres can alleviate strain on national grids if they start to invest further into renewable energy. Within Nigeria, Sherisse notes that this could support local businesses and households to enjoy electricity that is more reliable, which in turn will enhance their overall connectivity and economic opportunities.
“Solar plus storage solutions offer a dual benefit. For data centre operators, these technologies provide a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, stabilising energy costs and improving reliability,” she says.
“On the community level, the reduction in generator use directly translates into better air quality and less noise pollution, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant living environment.”
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