REAN, SON Strengthen Collaboration to Curb Fake Renewable Energy Products

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has deepened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to tackle the proliferation of fake and substandard renewable energy products in the country.

The partnership is expected to enhance quality control, improve enforcement frameworks and strengthen stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building across Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

REAN said the move is aimed at protecting consumers, improving market confidence and supporting the growth of the clean energy industry.

Concerns over substandard products and regulatory gaps

The association said enforcement challenges and gaps in existing standards have allowed inferior renewable energy products to remain in circulation, undermining consumer trust and slowing sector development.

According to REAN, discussions with SON highlighted concerns over inconsistencies in standards, affordability challenges linked to certification processes and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the Nigerian market.

The association also pointed to delays in product testing and approvals, calling for the establishment of additional testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.

REAN further advocated stronger coordination among key regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement.

Move to strengthen standards and market oversight

SON acknowledged REAN’s contributions to standardisation efforts within the renewable energy industry and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with the association.

The standards agency also confirmed that REAN would participate in future standard review processes and stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards.

According to REAN, both organisations are exploring the formalisation of the partnership through a memorandum of understanding that would strengthen collaboration on quality assurance and support the adoption of reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

The association said closer engagement between industry stakeholders and regulators will be critical to addressing market challenges and supporting the country’s clean energy transition.