REA, UNIDO partner to deploy 100 solar-powered cold rooms

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have entered into high-level discussions to bridge the gap between energy access and agricultural productivity by deploying solar-powered cold rooms.

This strategic collaboration aims to integrate sustainable cooling infrastructure into Nigeria’s decentralized energy grid to bolster healthcare logistics and reduce post-harvest losses nationwide.

Under the proposed framework, UNIDO will leverage its ongoing Africa-wide cold chain programme to procure technical facilities, while counterpart funding will support the development of essential mini-grid infrastructure.

A primary feature of this model involves the collocation of cold storage units directly with mini-grid sites, with a target of deploying up to 100 solar-integrated cold rooms. This integrated approach is designed to improve the economic viability of decentralized energy systems by driving productive use of power, ensuring that electricity does more than just provide light, it actively sustains livelihoods.

REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu emphasized that the initiative is being built on a private sector-driven management model, with the government serving as the coordinator and provider of enabling infrastructure.

While the specific design elements are still under development, the partnership is being structured to be investment-ready and scalable across various value chains.

The agency noted that it remains committed to ensuring these projects maintain a high standard of local manufacturing content while remaining clean, sustainable, and commercially viable for long-term impact.

By linking energy access directly to productivity, the REA and UNIDO aim to create a more resilient infrastructure that addresses critical gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural and health sectors.

Aliyu noted that this type of integrated thinking is essential for strengthening both national infrastructure and the economic well-being of rural communities.