Touted as the world’s largest solar PV manufacturer, China’s LONGi is in talks with the Nigerian government for a 500 MW to 1 GW solar panel production facility, according to the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).  

According to the commission, its Director-General Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha and LONGi representatives finalized a strategic partnership at the company’s headquarters in China. The duo is exploring the development of the solar panel production factory in the country following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in London earlier this year.   

“LONGi expressed strong interest in investing in Nigeria and demonstrated readiness to advance concrete plans for the construction of the factory. This partnership marks a historic milestone for the Nigerian renewable energy landscape and aligns with national efforts to expand local solar manufacturing capacity,” stated the ECN.  

It follows the Nigerian government’s Renewed Hope Solarization Project that seeks to accelerate access to clean energy projects.  

Nigeria sees the realization of the proposed factory in creating jobs, enhancing the country’s energy security, and for its sustainable development. No other details were revealed by the ECN.  

Earlier this year, Tranos started building its 800 MW solar PV factory in Nigeria following which Dutch PV manufacturer Solarge BV announced the development of a 1 GW solar panel manufacturing factory under a partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and InfraCorp (see Solarge’s 1 GW Solar PV Factory Taking Shape In Nigeria).