Niche Plug

According to the World Bank (2021), Nigeria has the largest energy deficit globally. 

About 85 million Nigerians (43% of the population) mostly in rural settlements have no access to grid electricity (World Bank 2021). 40% of healthcare facilities in the sub-Saharan Africa region have reliable electricity, while 15% of healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to electricity whatsoever (World Health Organization., 2023). Furthermore, a recent study that analysed over 121,000 health facilities, in 46 low and middle-income countries, showed that almost 60% of these facilities lacked access to reliable electricity(Cronk, Bartram., 2018).

 https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/science/article/pii/S1438463917303760

According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria In 2022 imported 25.5 billion Liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and within 8 years, trucks distributed 55 million Liters per day, with a peak of 66.7 million liters recorded in 2022 (Bademosi., 2023). https://tribuneonlineng.com/subsidy-nigeria-imported-23-5bn-litres-of-pms-in-2022-nmdpra/. Although it is difficult to find the official statistic on the number of gasoline generators in Nigeria, Nigeria has a collective capacity of small gasoline generators that is eight times more than Nigeria's entire national grid, which at its peak generates only 5.5 GW that is insufficient for current consumption (African Energy Portal., 2019). https://africa-energy-portal.org/reports/putting-end-nigerias-generator-crisis-path-forward

These heat-trapping Greenhouse gases are thought of as a blanket wrapped around the Earth, which makes the planet toastier than it should be. The effects is that they contribute to respiratory diseases from smog and air pollution, inadequate intake of balanced diets; due to food supply disruptions which often emanate from extreme weather conditions, and increased wildfires are other effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gases (Manisalidis., et al 2020). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044178/

Since 1981, the Nigerian Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (RESIP) has been charged with the responsibility of enhancing the increase of electricity access to rural areas in the country, however, its strategy has been to extend the national grid to provide electricity to local government headquarters. (Rural ElectrificationAgency (REA)., 2017). https://rea.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/RESIP.pdf

This meant that any hospital, community, and household that could not be accessed by grid or mini-grid would be excluded from any form of electrification. According to the Rural Electrification Agency (2024), the federal government of Nigeria has a goal of increasing access to electricity to 75% and 90% by 2020 where 14% of this access will be by off-grid renewable means by 2030.

 https://rea.gov.ng/themasterplan/

According to the WHO measurements made in 2016, the city of Onitsha Nigeria has some of the world's worst air, largely due to over-reliance on fossil-powered generators Cooking fires and burning rubbish have contributed to record-setting levels of air particulates which all accumulate to a threat to Nigeria’s climate change plans.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) recent report (2023) 86% of the companies in Nigeria own or share a generator while 84% of urban households power their homes with fossil diesel/gasoline generators.

We will fully harness the full potential of our God-giving sunlight. Our business model will enable households to not only be importers and consumers of energy but also will be active participants in the energy market. Households and organizations will be able to generate, store, use, and export energy in an accessible and affordable way. This is also referred to as prosumers.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/consumer-vs-prosumer-whats-difference

Our smart energy system will combine micro generation, electric vehicles, energy storage, and digital technology to maximize the use of energy. Our clients will be able to generate renewable electricity at home to reduce carbon emissions from gasoline power generation plants, reduce reliance on the national grid, track daily usage through an app, reduce costs on homeowners, and support the national grid by taking off pressure from the general energy system.

https://www.myenergi.com/

 Our smart energy system is designed to improve access and usage of off-grid green energy technologies across communities in rural and urban areas in Nigeria. We will deploy solar panels, Hybrid inverters, lithium batteries, and then the meter to direct excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee.  

We plan to achieve this by making renewable energy technology affordable by providing a range of payment methods that provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to use renewable energy technology with an arranged payment method within the specified time frame.

Our micro-generation which is mostly powered by solar PV is integrated as part of the roof itself to identify maximum output can be between 250/450 watts and is supported by an inverter which is required to convert the direct current (DC) to alternate current (AC). These solar PVs will create a smart electricity grid system through interconnected solar lines that provide electricity to customers without the ability to access green energy systems. This profit co-creating scheme for clients will create room for more green power generation entrepreneurs to invest in renewable energy systems.

So, assuming we reach a total production of 4750 kWh which is valued at 29pounds/kWh = £1377.50. the total cost of installation is estimated at £9000, which suggests, that the client concerned will gain full payback time on investment in 6.5 years. Based on the aforementioned, we are looking at carbon savings of 4kWp array associated with c. 5 tonnes CO2e of embedded carbon, 1.2 tonnes CO2e operational carbon saving per year and this means we could become carbon negative within 3-4 years.

For efficiency, our technology includes a lithium battery which is lighter weight and has twice the power to maintain high energy capacity.  Lithium is generally considered to be better than lead batteries. Lithium batteries with high discharge rates have up to 20 times longer cycle life, five times longer float/calendar life, and a reduced replacement cost which reduces the cost of ownership in the long term.

Current statistics show that health institutions rendering health care in Nigeria are 33,303 general hospitals, 20,278 primary health centers and posts, and 59 teaching hospitals and federal medical centers."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249694/#:~:text=Current%20statistics%20show%20that%20health,hospital%20and%20federal%20medical%20centers.

Our target population is Nigerian hospital households and businesses that spend  $22 billion annually to fuel generators powering hospitals, schools, homes, and businesses. Greenhouse gas emissions from generator usage in Nigeria are expected to rise from 11.9 million tons to 17.1 million by 2030.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria has the largest energy deficit globally and this consists of about 85 million Nigerians (43% of the population), mostly rural settlements that have no access to grid electricity.

The immediate output of our intervention will be widespread as it will create lots of renewable green energy-generating entrepreneurs who will be generating electricity with green energy sources and supplying excess electricity to neighborhoods for a fee using our services. Women and children will experience an improved livelihood through an improved farming environment in areas like the storage of seedlings, food, and general trading.

In Nigeria, 83% of MSME entrepreneurs are women, and access to clean affordable energy sources will improve their profits, and create a healthy and productive life for women.

Niche Plug aims to build a redefined interest in off-grid green energy generation by making it the backbone for energy generation in Nigeria; thus, creating access to business opportunities for entrepreneurs that provide off-grid renewable supply through structured systems that provide energy connectivity across wide areas of the country.

We plan to achieve this by partnering with Nigerian banks to make renewable energy technology affordable and accessible through a range of payment methods that provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to use renewable energy technology with an arranged payment method within the specified time frame.

In addition to providing access to renewable energy technologies; Hospitals, Schools, Businesses, and individuals enrolled in our services will have access to systems that provide access lines for freeing up excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. The accumulated freed-up energy will be calculated with individually prepared metering devices for reimbursement of various generating units according to the amount generated for the month.

 This system will ensure that both off-grid renewable energy generating units and non-generating units in our system will have equal access to renewable green renewable electricity sources.

The first draft of the technology product we are adopting is already in use in some developed countries and has already been tested with a validation of its proof of concept process. These products align with our company’s concept and specific project requirements.

Our Solar Panels (polycrystalline and Mono-crystalline silicon panels) comprised of 550W-600W 144 half cells, 50W size 630*540*25mm, 285W size 1640*992*35mm, 300W size 1640*992* 35mm*25mm. These panels can either be placed on the rooftops of buildings or in an open field. For efficiency, our technology also includes a lithium battery which is lighter weight and has twice the power to maintain high energy capacity.  

These lithium batteries are made up of 8pcs 48V150 connected in series, which can store up to 57.6kwh. These batteries have a signal line that can be connected to obtain signals that will enable owners to read their battery data on their phones and computers. For safety, our system will include a multimeter to test battery voltage before usage.

We redistribute excess renewable energy output through decentralized multi-energy systems from renewable energy sources. The So-called multi-energy-hub systems (MES) create the ability to supply entire districts with renewable energy. Businesses and individuals enrolled in our services will have access to systems that provide access lines to free up excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. The accumulated freed-up excess energy will be calculated with individually prepared metering devices for reimbursement of various generating units according to the amount generated for the month.

We have set up a structure that is positioned to handle the technicalities, legal, and any market barriers and challenges that can arise in the cause of this project; however, we still need collaborations towards access to partnerships, technology, logistical, and financial support. We will be committed to achieving or exploring every opportunity that  MIT SOLVE CHALLENGE offers. 

Also, we are unable to fully manage and implement the challenges around  Moving products to new locations which require a certain amount of moving goods across borders. We are not establishing a manufacturing base, meaning that for our campaigns to progress smoothly, there will be costs associated with purchasing and importing certain materials and goods from factories across different countries. To successfully implement our goal, we will need collaborations towards access to technology, logistical support, and any other materials that make our work easier.

Our solution provides an income opportunity through which off-grid energy generation investors can generate income by redistributing excess renewable energy output through decentralized multi-energy systems from renewable energy sources. 

Businesses and individuals enrolled in our services will have access to systems that provide access lines to free up excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. The accumulated freed-up excess energy will be calculated with individually prepared metering devices for reimbursement of various generating units according to the amount generated for the month.

This multi-energy-hub system (MES) creates the ability to supply entire districts with renewable energy. 

We will provide basic electrification services to hospitals, communities, and potential electricity consumers located in both remote and urban underserved settlements in Anambra state, who are unlikely to be served with adequate electric supply in the foreseeable future. 

We will deploy solar panels, Hybrid inverters, lithium batteries, and then the meter to direct excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. Benefactors can pay for systems in installments and also create new income through the ability to sell their excess energy to their neighbors with Our profit co-creating scheme for clients. With this scheme, those unable to afford the off-grid green energy systems will still be able to access clean energy. 

Our Solar Panels (polycrystalline and Mono-crystalline silicon panels) are comprised of 550W-600W 144 half cells, 50W size 630*540*25mm, 285W size 1640*992*35mm, 300W size 1640*992* 35mm*25mm, which can either be placed on the rooftop of buildings or in an open field and is supported by an inverter which is required to convert the direct current (DC) to alternate current (AC); with an easy to use set up of lithium batteries that is made of 8pcs 48V150 connected in series, which can store up to 57.6kwh. 

These batteries have a signal line that can be connected to obtain signals that will enable owners to read their battery data on their phones and computers. 

For safety, our system will include a multimeter to test battery voltage before usage.

Our solution seeks to change the narrative by improving access and usage of off-grid green energy technologies to power and provide the energy needed to meet the energy needs across rural and urban communities, businesses, and households in Nigeria. 

To achieve this, We will deploy solar panels,  inverters, lithium batteries, and then the meter to direct excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee that goes to the owners of any of our systems.

Our system is installed in a way that provides an income opportunity through which off-grid energy generation investors will have the ability to sell excess energy to their neighbors, thus creating extra revenue for investors.

To continue to develop and improve our off-grid energy generation infrastructure sources, businesses, and individuals will require access to convenient payment solutions to accelerate the expansion of sustainable electricity activities.

Because of inadequate National Grid power generation, this solution will impact every household because we will operate a system that will use our off-grid energy network as a tool to provide a clean electricity supply to every community.

In our first year, we will aim to serve homes, hospitals, schools, and other organizations and businesses across Anambra state, especially Onitsha municipality which according to Population. city is currently estimated as the largest at 1,483,000 in 2023, which is a slight increase from 1,415,000 in 2020.

 The Population density of Anambra State is currently rated at 992.1 p/km square. According to the 2011 population census conducted by the National Population Commission, the official population of Anambra State was 4,805,600 in 2011, however, due to irregular census and poor population data mining as is the case all over Nigeria an update on this figure has not been made by the National Population Commission; however, According to an online population directory Population. city; Anambra State is currently estimated to have a population of 6,384,311 which is due to the influx of people from neighboring states as a result of increased economic activities in the state. The population of Anambra is estimated to be growing at an average rate of 2.84% annually,

Our impact goal includes providing comprehensive access to affordable, reliable sustainable green, and modern energy services and solutions. This will enable improved healthcare delivery as well as create a new generation of renewable green energy-generating entrepreneurs who will mainly invest in renewable resources that provide the best possible opportunity for communities to access green renewable energy.

 Another impact goal includes diversifying the energy supply in Nigeria to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and in the process create new economic improvement by way of job creation in the installation, maintenance, and management of renewable energy projects.

In two years, we will be in other major cities in the southeast and Niger Delta areas. The other cities in the southeast and the neighboring Niger Delta region include the following (Port Harcourt, Benin City, Aba, Enugu, Warri, Calabar, Uyo Asaba and Akure).  

Also, our impact goal will be measured through a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This increase will substantially improve our global rate of energy efficiency.

In five years, our services will be extended to cover the entire Nigerian population which according to a new report by the United Nations State of World Population Report was estimated to rise to 223.8 million by mid-2023 from 216 million in 2022.

We will deploy solar panels, inverters, lithium batteries, and then the meter to direct access energy to the National grid. Our Solar Panels (mono-crystalline silicon) will be comprised of 550W-600W 144 half cells, 50W size 630*540*25mm, 285W size 1640*992*35mm, 300W size 1640*992* 35mm*25mm. These panels can either be placed on the rooftops of buildings or in an open field.

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are lighter in weight and have twice the power to maintain high energy capacity With a high discharge rate, it has up to 20 times longer cycle life, and five times longer float/calendar life which in the long term reduces cost in ownership, because lithium batteries usually have reduced replacement cost. The phosphate chemistry in lithium iron batteries eliminates the risk of explosion or combustion that can emanate from overcharging or short circuit issues.

Lithium batteries can also be applied for backup of UPS, Electric bikes, cars, etc. For instance, we will also use the home systems for setting up car charging spots at selected locations on the highway.  It will have different charging characteristics. New chargers will more than likely have the standard Type 2 charger and CHAdeMO for Rapid charging. different charging points offer different charging speeds and the size of your car battery will play a big part in how long it takes. We have these ballpark figures: Slow (3kW to 6kW), which takes eight to 12 hours on average to fully charge your car, Fast (7kW to 22kW) which takes seven to eight hours to fully charge your car, with higher kW taking less time. Rapid (around 50kW), which can take less than an hour to boost your car power up to 80 percent.

For an effective use of solar and lithium batteries; Power inverters that convert Direct current from the battery to Alternating current that can be used to operate all sorts of devices is vital for these green energy systems. Inverters can be called AC Drives or VFDs (Variable frequency drives) because they control the speed of electric motors. Depending on the size of the green renewable home systems, INVERTERS of variations in capacity will be required. These capacities range between 1.5kva/24v,1kva/12v,875va/12v,3.5kva/48v-,5kva/96v,7.5kva/120v.

We will hire over 50 frontline employees. However, we have a 5 member management team, which is comprised mostly of the founding members of the company.

Employees will have all the operating autonomy they can handle within operation, management, and transportation of products. However, at the central level, the management team has the sole responsibility of maintaining tight, centralized financial, operational, and logistical controls. 

As we expand to new territories, we will continue to stretch to accommodate new management and frontline employees.

We incorporated our business name in 2019 but due to the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria we closed and could not resume for an extended period; However, we resumed fully in 2022. For 18 months in total, we have been researching and assessing the business Development opportunities of our solution.

Our core values of integrity, honesty, gender equality, innovation, and ingenuity are dear to us. These distinct values are also mutually reinforcing and drive the culture at Niche Plug.

We have a team that will have a good spread of both men and women. Our work design system of best practices is to build diverse teams with a culture of collaboration toward organizations' overall goals. Every team will have a good representation of the minority group in society; women will be able to grow and attend senior leadership roles.

Some of the notable ways we will display this is during the recruitment processes, which is because we will use bias-free recruitment practices which include using the right recruitment technologies, and communication which include diversity-friendly job descriptions, blind interviewing, bias-free recruitment.

 As a team, our organizational commitment to discrimination, harassment, etc is clear; and to achieve this, we will organize constant training for employees on inclusion, respect, unconscious bias, anti-discrimination, etc.

The metrics we will use to keep track of the monitoring and evaluation of programs will be measured by the number of discriminatory complaint reports, quarterly employee satisfaction surveys, job retention periods, population representation at all levels, disparities in payments, and the overall production performance rate.

Our team will be made up of committed professionals from different backgrounds. Honesty, integrity, and fair play are the keys to delivering sustainable benefits to our stakeholders.

Niche Plug is a Social enterprise that applies a service subsidization model to improve access and usage of off-grid green energy technologies across communities (rural and urban communities) and organizations. To achieve this, we have a structured repayment system that provides opportunities for businesses and individuals to use renewable energy technology with an arranged payment method within the specified time frame.

To improve connectivity to green energy spaces, we have designed a system that redistributes excess renewable energy output through decentralized multi-energy systems from renewable energy sources. Businesses and individuals enrolled in our services will have access to systems that provide access lines to free up excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. The accumulated freed-up excess energy will be calculated with individually prepared metering devices for reimbursement of various generating units according to the amount generated for the month.

Our solution seeks to change the narrative by improving access and usage to off-grid green energy technologies across rural and urban communities; as well as decrease the carbon footprints across the rare disease healthcare space

The immediate output of our intervention will be widespread as it will create lots of renewable green energy-generating entrepreneurs who will be generating electricity with green energy sources and supplying excess electricity to neighborhoods for a fee using our services. Women and children will experience an improved livelihood through an improved farming environment in areas like the storage of seedlings, food, and general trading.

In Nigeria, 83% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sub-sector of the economy are women and access to clean affordable energy sources will improve their profits, and create a healthy and productive life for women.

Revenue

Revenue from energy-efficient solutions.

Revenue from loaning out our green energy system.

Fees generated from power purchase agreement (PPA) with

Customers.

Surplus

decrease carbon footprints across communities and organizations by investing in ensuring that electric supply in is uninterrupted while also reducing carbon footprint.

Cost Structure

installation and maintenance of solar panels,

Lithium batteries, inverters, wind turbines.

Building an extended energy-efficient solution that

Prioritizes accessibility.

Providing energy access by way of solar farms and

Wind farm.

Channels

Customer referral programs.

Wide outside sales force.

Engage partner networks.

Advance call center units.

Partner+ Key Stakeholders 

Main partners: Solar panels,

Lithium batteries, inverters, and wind turbines

Manufacturers.

Master service agreements with 

Major suppliers.

Social Business Model Canvas

Key Resources

 Innovative technology.

Human Resources.

Real time softwares. 

Key Activities

Renewable Energy advisory.

Installation and maintenance of 

Solar System (solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, wind turbines).

Marketing campaigns, customer support and communication.

Type Of Intervention

Renewable Energy at prices below utility cost.

Improved energy concepts that include energy efficiency products and services.

Integrated energy solutions that promote a reduction in energy cost. 

Segments

Government customers 

Residential customers 

Commercial customers 

Value Proposition

We support organizations, government agencies, businesses, and homes to transition to clean solar energy by removing the financial and technical constraints that slow down this transition.

This Social enterprise will apply a service subsidization model whereby we will provide energy consumers access to off-grid energy generation at a structured cost, whereby consumers are given a repayment package that is well spread out to give consumers access to leverage on our tangible assets (renewable green energy technology)

We will partner with Nigerian banks to make renewable energy technology affordable and accessible by providing a range of payment methods that provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to use renewable energy technology with an arranged payment method within the specified time frame.

 Our systems provide an income opportunity through which off-grid energy generation investors can generate income by redistributing excess renewable energy output through decentralized multi-energy systems from renewable energy sources. The So-called multi-energy-hub systems (MES) create the ability to supply entire districts with renewable energy. Businesses and individuals enrolled in our services will have access to systems that provide access lines to free up excess energy to the neighborhood for a fee. The accumulated freed-up excess energy will be calculated with individually prepared metering devices for reimbursement of various generating units according to the amount generated for the month.

This will create an opportunity for those unable to afford the off-grid green energy systems to leverage our intangible assets(expertise, methodologies, and relationships) to access off-grid renewable energy sources.

Because of inadequate National Grid power generation, this solution will impact every household because we will operate a system that will use our off-grid energy network as a tool to provide a clean electricity supply to every community we build our customer base.