The Rural Electrification Agency has recently launched a solar hybrid mini-grid project in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. This initiative aims to provide electricity to 3,500 households in these areas. The project is part of a larger effort to address the lack of access to electricity in over 20,000 communities across the country.
The Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, highlighted that the project received funding from the European Union and the German government to bring clean and sustainable electricity to rural communities. The completion of the 550kWp interconnected mini-grid in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande is expected to have a significant impact, with Bakin Ciyawa having a 390kWp system and Kwande a 160kWp system.
The Federal Government, through REA, is committed to providing renewable energy to rural communities nationwide. The project aims to energize a total of 3,700 communities in phases, with the first phase targeting 925 communities and infusing over 92MW of clean energy into the energy sector.
The installation of solar mini-grids in these communities will not only provide electricity but also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions. The reduction in CO2 emissions from these mini-grids is equivalent to removing cars off the road or planting thousands of trees annually, helping in the fight against climate change.
The inauguration of the project marks a significant milestone in the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme, which aims to develop Nigeria’s mini-grid market and provide clean energy to underserved communities. The collaboration with development partners such as German Cooperation, European Union, and GIZ is crucial in reaching a wider beneficiary base across Nigeria.
The project has received positive feedback from local authorities, with the Plateau State Government expressing gratitude for the initiative to bring light to rural communities. The German Ambassador also emphasized the importance of the project in benefiting over 20,000 people and aiding job creation in various sectors.
Overall, the solar mini-grid project represents a significant step towards providing electricity to underserved communities and signifies progress and development for these areas.