REA Acheives 103 Mini-Grids Across Nigeria..
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has reported the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids across Nigeria through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), a venture funded by the World Bank.
READ MORE NEWS: http://naijaecho.com.ng
The agency highlighted the significant achievement accomplished under the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component during the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion held virtually in Abuja, joined by developers.
Mr. Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director of REA, expressed the agency’s commitment to eradicating the energy access gap in Nigeria. He emphasized that REA’s mandate revolves around augmenting electricity access and rectifying the energy deficit prevalent in the country.
Among the strategies employed to realize this goal, the Performance Based Grant (PBG) sub-component stands out. Through this mechanism, qualified developers receive grants to establish and operate mini-grids in rural areas. Ahmad lauded the PBG’s efficacy in attracting private sector investments, highlighting that more than 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, benefiting about 32,000 households, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and public facilities with clean and reliable electricity.
The Solar Hybrid Mini-grid segment has also thrived, with 46,661 verified connections made to households, MSMEs, and public facilities. This progress serves as a stepping stone to bridging the energy gap and fostering economic advancement. Moreover, another 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to extend the project’s reach and impact.
Abba Aliyu, Head of the Project Management Unit of NEP at REA, shared his contentment regarding the accomplishment. He emphasized that the completion and commissioning of 103 mini-grids reflect the agency’s dedication to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to historically underserved communities. The initiative’s core objective is to empower these communities with electricity, thereby offering them improved livelihoods and growth opportunities.
Aliyu highlighted that the impact of the initiative has touched over 230,000 people across the country, instigating positive changes in their daily routines, economic activities, and overall quality of life. The installation of 5.8 Mega Watts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity underscores REA’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy sources for sustainable power solutions.
As REA persists in its endeavors, the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids serves as a testament to the project’s unwavering dedication to illuminating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria.
Visit: http://naijaecho.com.ng to get More updates.
Also Read: Unemployment Rate in Nigeria Drops by 4.1 Percent.