Tranos, a leading indigenous manufacturing firm, has officially broken ground on a massive industrial campus in Mowe, Ogun State. At the heart of the project is an 800-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility, poised to be one of the largest of its kind in West Africa. The groundbreaking represents a significant milestone not only for Tranos but also for Nigeria’s broader ambitions in localizing renewable energy production and achieving energy security.
The 157,440-square-metre facility signals Nigeria’s most ambitious step yet toward industrial-scale clean energy manufacturing. The new Tranos campus is designed to tackle the nation’s increasing demand for solar solutions by producing solar panels locally, potentially reducing dependency on imports and slashing equipment costs.
When operational, the factory is projected to deliver up to 800 MW worth of solar panels annually, enough capacity to power over 160,000 homes per year, based on Nigeria’s average household consumption. This scale of production places Tranos at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition movement and supports the federal government’s ongoing efforts to ramp up access to sustainable and affordable electricity.
As part of its consolidation strategy, Tranos will relocate its existing operations from Lagos to the new Mowe campus. This move is strategic: the Lagos factories are currently constrained by space and infrastructure limitations that restrict their production potential. By shifting to a purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art production lines, Tranos aims to significantly expand output, streamline operations, and reduce logistical inefficiencies.
“The new campus represents more than a physical expansion, it’s a signal of intent,” said Tranos CEO Jude Abalaka. “We are investing in Nigeria’s clean energy future and building the industrial backbone that will support our transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Boosting Local Manufacturing, Creating Jobs
The Tranos solar panel factory is expected to become a catalyst for job creation, skill development, and economic revitalization in Ogun State and beyond. During the construction phase alone, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs will be created, with more permanent roles to follow once operations begin. Positions will range from manufacturing technicians and engineers to logistics, administration, and supply chain professionals.
This aligns with the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP), which emphasizes local content development, employment generation, and private-sector-led innovation.
Moreover, Tranos has stated that it will prioritize local sourcing of materials and labor wherever possible, further embedding the project within Nigeria’s economy and reducing exposure to global supply chain disruptions that have affected the renewable energy industry worldwide.
Powering the Energy Transition in West Africa
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and home to over 90 million people without access to electricity, according to the World Bank. While fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix, solar energy is emerging as a viable solution to electrify rural and underserved communities.
The Tranos factory could play a transformative role in achieving national energy access goals by driving down the cost of solar panels and boosting their availability. This is especially relevant as the government expands its Solar Naija program, aimed at deploying solar home systems and mini-grids across the country.
The potential to export solar panels to neighboring countries in West Africa is also significant. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is increasingly looking to integrate renewable energy solutions into regional infrastructure. A factory of this magnitude could supply cost-effective solar components to countries such as Ghana, Togo, and Benin, enhancing regional energy resilience.
Why Ogun State? Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Tranos’ decision to site the facility in Mowe, Ogun State, is no accident. The area offers proximity to major transport routes, including the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and lies within a growing industrial corridor that has attracted both local and international investors.
Ogun State also boasts a business-friendly environment, with incentives for manufacturers and infrastructure projects that support industrial growth. “This project reinforces Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s emerging manufacturing powerhouse,” said a state official during the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are proud to be home to this transformative investment.”
Aligning with Global Climate Goals
As Nigeria faces increasing pressure to decarbonize its economy and meet commitments under the Paris Agreement, large-scale renewable energy manufacturing will be crucial. The Tranos plant is expected to contribute toward lowering the carbon footprint of Nigeria’s energy sector by enabling faster deployment of clean energy technologies.
Globally, the solar industry is expanding rapidly. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar PV accounted for two-thirds of global renewable capacity additions in 2023, with the trend expected to continue. By investing locally, Tranos positions Nigeria to become not just a consumer but a producer and exporter of clean energy solutions.
Challenges Ahead and the Need for Policy Support
While the project is promising, its long-term success will depend on an enabling policy environment. Key issues such as access to finance, import duties on raw materials, energy supply for industrial use, and regulatory bottlenecks remain pressing concerns in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Stakeholders are urging the federal government to support local manufacturers with tax incentives, stable power supply, and favorable tariffs to enhance competitiveness. There is also a call for robust quality assurance frameworks to ensure that Nigerian-made solar panels meet international standards.
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Tranos’ solar panel factory is not a standalone project, it is the cornerstone of a broader vision to transform the Mowe campus into a multi-purpose clean energy industrial hub. The company plans to integrate battery assembly, inverters, and smart grid technologies over the next five years, making the facility a one-stop shop for clean energy hardware.
If successful, Tranos could help seed a renewable energy industrial ecosystem in Nigeria, spurring innovation, fostering startups, and attracting foreign investment into the green tech space.
