A clean energy technology startup backed by global energy company Bp has expanded its operations in Nigeria, offering households and small businesses a cheaper alternative to generators as the country continues to battle electricity shortages.
- +BP-backed startup cuts Nigeria’s power costs by 70%
The startup, bPOWERd, has established an operational presence across seven locations in Lagos through a partnership with 11plc, operator of Mobil service stations.
The startup, bPOWERd, has established an operational presence across seven locations in Lagos through a partnership with 11plc, operator of Mobil service stations. The company is using the sites to provide solar-powered battery rentals designed to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to homes and businesses.
Nigeria remains one of the countries with the largest energy access gaps in the world. According to World Bank data, about 43 percent of the population lacks access to the national electricity grid. For many households and business owners, generators remain the primary source of backup power, but rising fuel costs have made them increasingly expensive to operate.
bPOWERd says its solar-powered battery rental service can reduce energy costs significantly. While running a small generator can cost about N10,000 daily, the company’s larger battery provides up to 12 hours of electricity for about N3,000 per day, representing a cost reduction of around 70 percent.
The company operates a pay-per-use model that allows customers to rent portable solar-charged batteries instead of purchasing expensive power equipment. Users pay a refundable deposit of N15,000 and can choose from different battery sizes depending on their power needs.
Daily rental rates start from N1,500 for a 300Wh battery, while larger 1,000Wh batteries are available from N3,000 per day. The batteries are capable of powering essential household and business appliances, including lights, televisions, fans, refrigerators and small commercial equipment.
Speaking on the expansion, Jonathan Lule, the managing director of bPOWERd, said small businesses remain the backbone of economic activity across Nigeria but continue to struggle with unreliable and costly electricity supply.
“Small businesses sit at the center of everyday economic activity, yet many continue to operate against the backdrop of unstable and expensive power. At a time of continued grid instability, bPOWERd is helping households and small and medium-sized enterprises access dependable pay-per-use power they can rely on,” Lule said.
The company believes its model will help address one of the biggest barriers to energy access, the high upfront cost of alternative power solutions. By renting batteries rather than selling them outright, customers can access reliable backup power without making large investments.
Oluwole Ogidan, gead of bp Global West Africa, said the rollout aligns with efforts to provide affordable and flexible energy solutions tailored to local needs.
“Our focus is on delivering diversified energy solutions that are affordable, resilient, and adaptable to how people live and work. Beyond expanding access to reliable power, this rollout also supports the growth of a local green workforce through on-site sales roles and partnerships with Nigerian solar technicians,” Ogidan said.
Apart from providing electricity, the project is expected to create employment opportunities through sales operations and technical support services linked to the solar energy value chain.
Founded in South Africa, bPOWERd has emerged as one of the fastest-growing energy startups focused on distributed clean energy solutions. The company offers solar-charged battery rentals that provide households and businesses with flexible backup power without depending heavily on fuel-powered generators.
The startup’s rapid growth highlights increasing demand for affordable and cleaner energy alternatives across Africa. Since launching in South Africa in 2025, bPOWERd has recorded more than 125,000 battery rentals within its first year of operation.
Its distributed energy model combines solar charging infrastructure with an on-demand battery rental system, enabling customers to access electricity whenever needed while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Industry observers say the Lagos rollout could signal a growing shift toward decentralized energy solutions as Nigerians seek more affordable ways to cope with persistent power shortages and rising fuel prices.
With seven operational locations already established and demand for reliable electricity continuing to rise, bPOWERd is positioning itself to play a significant role in expanding access to clean and affordable energy in Nigeria’s urban centres.
