bPOWERd, a clean energy technology startup, has launched operations in Nigeria with a solar battery rental service in Lagos, targeting households and small businesses affected by rising fuel and electricity costs.
The company is rolling out the service across seven locations in Lagos in partnership with Mobil service stations, which will function as battery swapping and charging hubs within their fuel and automotive retail outlets.
Its entry into Nigeria comes at a time when demand for alternative energy solutions is rising, driven by an unstable power supply and increasing energy costs. According to the Africa Solar Outlook 2026 report, solar currently accounts for 1.5% of Nigeria’s overall energy mix, highlighting both the sector’s early stage and its growth potential.
bPOWERd positions its model within this gap, offering portable, solar-charged batteries that customers can rent on a pay-per-use basis.
“Small businesses sit at the centre of everyday economic activity, yet many continue to operate against the backdrop of unstable and expensive power,” said Jonathan Lule, Managing Director at bPOWERd. “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.”
To access the service, users undergo a know-your-customer (KYC) verification process, which requires submitting a National Identification Number (NIN), followed by a refundable ₦15,000 deposit before receiving a battery unit.
Speaking at the launch event in Lagos on Thursday, May 21, Lule said the deposit system is intended to encourage responsible usage and ensure the batteries are returned in good condition.
The company offers two battery options: a 300-watt-hour unit and a 1,000-watt-hour unit. These rent for ₦1,500 and ₦3,000 respectively, and can power devices such as LED lights, fans, televisions, and mobile phones.
Each battery comes with socket ports that allow users to connect extension cables. Once depleted, the units can be returned to designated stations for recharging before being rented out again.
“Our focus is on delivering diversified energy solutions that are affordable, resilient, and adaptable to how people live and work,” said Oluwole Ogidan, Head of bp Global West Africa. “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.”
Originally launched in South Africa in 2025, bPOWERd says it recorded 125,000 rentals within its first 12 months of operation.