UBA, Renewvia to power 25 bank branches with solar systems

…strengthens Nigeria–Norway clean energy collaboration

In a move that strengthens Nigeria–Norway economic relations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 of its branches in five Nigerian states.

The partnership, formalised at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at UBA’s Oba Akran 2 branch in Ikeja, Lagos, was officiated by the Nordic ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Bæra.

The event featured a tour of the inverter and battery operations room, symbolising a new phase in UBA’s sustainability drive.

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Supported by Empower New Energy, a Norway-based renewable investment company, and Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), the initiative will deliver the first phase of 152,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy monthly, cutting UBA’s carbon emissions by over 89,000 kilograms of CO₂ every month.

Under a 10-year Power-as-a-Service agreement, Renewvia will install advanced solar and battery hybrid systems across the selected branches. Once fully rolled out, the project will cover 50 locations in 18 states, providing 3 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar capacity and 7 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage.

Muyiwa Akinyemi, UBA’s deputy managing director, said the bank’s sustainability vision goes beyond compliance, describing it as integral to Africa’s development.

“This project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact, in terms of growth and advancement as well as reducing our carbon footprint, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to a cleaner environment.” he said.

Adebowale Dosunmu, Renewvia Solar Nigeria’s managing director, described the partnership as a “major milestone” in providing reliable, clean energy to commercial clients. He praised UBA’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

For Incremental Energy Solutions, which helped drive the collaboration, Oladipupo Omodara, the CEO, said the success reflects the growing role of African stakeholders in global clean energy investments.

“We are proud to support a project that helps Africa claim its rightful place in global energy technology deployment,” he said.

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Terje Osmundsen, Empower New Energy’s CEO, noted that the partnership underscores Nordic–African cooperation in accelerating renewable energy adoption.

“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,” Osmundsen said.

Svein Bæra, Norway’s ambassador, commended the collaboration as a shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic investment, adding that it represents both an energy milestone and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

The project also aligns with UBA Group chairman Tony Elumelu’s advocacy for partnerships that view Africa as a hub of enterprise rather than aid dependency.

Speaking recently at the Norway–Africa Business Summit in Oslo, Elumelu called for collaboration grounded in mutual respect and investment.