Clean energy startup bPOWERd has officially launched its innovative solar battery rental service in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to tackle the nation's persistent power challenges. In partnership with 11plc, the operator of Mobil service stations, the company offers a pay-per-use model for households and small businesses. This expansion provides a much-needed alternative to expensive and unreliable fossil fuel generators, which have long been a staple for residents.
A Practical Solution to a Persistent Problem
Nigeria's energy deficit is a well-documented crisis, with nearly half the population lacking grid access and others enduring frequent outages. This has forced a widespread reliance on costly and polluting generators for daily power needs. bPOWERd's entry into the market introduces a practical, clean energy solution designed for this challenging environment, offering reliability where the grid cannot.
The service operates on a simple rental basis, making clean energy accessible without high upfront costs for solar installations. Customers complete a verification process, including their National Identification Number, and pay a refundable ₦15,000 deposit to rent a portable battery. The partnership with Mobil stations creates a convenient network of hubs for battery swapping and charging across the city.
Compelling Economics for Consumers
The financial case for consumers is a key part of bPOWERd's value proposition. While running a small generator can cost an average household around ₦10,000 per day in fuel, the company's larger battery offers comparable power for just ₦3,000. This represents a significant 70% reduction in daily energy expenses for users, freeing up crucial household income.
bPOWERd provides two battery sizes to meet different needs, both charged with solar power before rental. The smaller 300Wh unit is available from ₦1,500 per day for basic electronics, while the larger 1,000Wh battery starts at ₦3,000 and can power larger appliances. This flexibility caters to both residential customers and small business owners who need to power their operations.
Fostering a Green Economy
Beyond providing power, the company is focused on local economic development. Oluwole Ogidan, Head of bp Global West Africa, stated their goal is to support a local green workforce. This is being achieved through the creation of on-site sales roles and collaborations with Nigerian solar technicians, embedding the company within the local community.
This initiative aims to build a cleaner version of the informal energy ecosystem that already exists around generator maintenance and fuel sales. By offering a silent, emission-free alternative, bPOWERd addresses both economic and environmental concerns. The model provides reliable power without the noise and fumes associated with traditional generators, improving quality of life for its users.
A Proven Model with Ambitious Goals
The Nigerian expansion follows a highly successful launch in South Africa in 2025, where the service facilitated 125,000 rentals in its first year. This strong performance provided the proof of concept needed to enter the larger and more complex Nigerian market. It demonstrates the model's potential for scalability and consumer adoption in diverse African urban centers.
Early indicators in Lagos are overwhelmingly positive, with the company achieving 60% of its six-month rental target within the first seven weeks. Jonathan Lule, the Managing Director, emphasized that the service helps small enterprises access dependable power. This rapid uptake suggests a significant unmet demand for affordable and reliable energy solutions among Nigerians.
bPOWERd's arrival in Lagos represents a critical test for pay-per-use clean energy in one of Africa's largest markets. The company is betting that convenience and superior economics can challenge the dominance of the fossil fuel generator industry. If this model proves scalable across its initial seven sites and beyond, it could establish a powerful new template for delivering distributed energy across Nigeria.