Schneider urges commercial funding model for healthcare energy

Schneider Electric is pushing for more private-sector investment in renewable energy projects for healthcare facilities in West Africa, aiming to move the sector beyond donor-funded pilots to commercially sustainable models.

The company’s Regional Head of Access to Energy, West Africa, Tolutope Dada, made the call during a panel discussion in Abuja, according to a note shared with The PUNCH on Thursday.

He joined the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency and the World Health Organisation’s Climate, Health and Environment lead on the panel, which examined the impact of unreliable electricity on healthcare delivery, including vaccine cold chains, diagnostics and surgical care.

Dada focused on financing models for powering health facilities, arguing that renewable energy projects in the sector need blended finance and shared risk among government, private investors and development partners to become commercially sustainable and achieve greater scale.

The discussion centred on how unreliable electricity affects critical healthcare services, including vaccine cold chains, diagnostics and surgical care, making dependable power an important part of healthcare infrastructure.

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Schneider Electric’s position comes as it expands its Access to Energy programme, launched in 2009, through which it has reached more than 61 million people globally, exceeding its original target of 50 million beneficiaries.

The company is now targeting 100 million beneficiaries by 2030, with its Access to Energy portfolio including the Mobiya, Homaya and Villaya product lines, which use EcoStruxure-enabled remote monitoring and control to support electrification in healthcare, education, water, agriculture and microenterprise.

In Nigeria, Schneider Electric has deployed solar and microgrid solutions through partnerships with local distributors and development agencies, while using industry and policy forums to promote what it describes as accessible, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy access.

The company has positioned Access to Energy as part of its broader sustainability strategy, alongside its work in decarbonisation and industrial automation, as it seeks to expand electricity access in underserved communities across the region.