REA Restates Commitment To Accelerate Deployment Of Impactful Energy Access

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has said it will continue its accelerated deployment of impactful energy access projects

while maintaining standardised implementation.

The managing director/CEO of REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said this on Friday, during an inspection of a solar hybrid mini-grid project in Danchitagi Community, Lavun LGA, Niger State.

The agency said the purpose of this visit was to evaluate the project’s impact on beneficiary communities and ensure compliance with approved technical standards set by the Agency.

Recall that  similar inspections  of projects in Lagos, Osun, and Ogun States were conducted between June 16th and 17th, 2023.

These inspections, the agency said exemplify the hands-on approach of the MD/CEO in implementing projects and demonstrate the Agency’s commitment to providing energy access to rural areas nationwide.

The Danchitagi Village project developed by Power Gen and located in Lavun LGA, is a fully operational 200kWp solar hybrid mini-grid with 450kWh Li-ion batteries, benefiting over 700 users and 13 productive users in the predominantly farming community. It was deployed under the Performance-Based Grant (PBG) program of the Solar Hybrid Mini Grid component of the Nigeria Electrification Project, with funding from the World Bank.

Engr. Ahmad said that, “REA’s mini-grids continue to catalyse productive use of energy, driving socioeconomic development.”

He also highlighted the cost-saving benefits of renewable

energy, particularly after the recent removal of fuel subsidies, as beneficiaries can now rely on clean energy to power their homes and businesses instead of costlier alternatives like petrol and diesel generators.

emphasised the

importance of placing people at the center of energy access programs and initiatives.

The Danchitagi Village project developed by Power Gen and located in Lavun LGA, is a fully operational 200kWp solar hybrid mini-grid with 450kWh Li-ion batteries, benefiting over 700 users and 13 productive users in the predominantly farming community. It was deployed under the Performance-Based Grant (PBG) program of the Solar Hybrid Mini Grid component of the Nigeria Electrification Project, with funding from the World Bank.

During the visit, the REA team assessed the mini-grid’s impact on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Danchitagi village. They observed how the project efficiently powers the community’s rice mill, hair salons, cold drink stores, welding businesses, as well as residential homes. Through the NEP-PBG initiative, over 80 similar mini-grids have been deployed across the country, ensuring equitable access to electricity.

The community rice mill in Danchitagi serves as a prime example of productive use of energy (PUE) and is part of the pilot equipment tested under the REA’s Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP). This program, implemented by the Agency with support from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), aims to boost Nigeria’s GDP, accelerate renewable energy adoption, and unlock agricultural productivity. The successful impact of the EAP pilot in Danchitagi village showcases the potential for replication in other locations nationwide.

Mallam Mahmoud, a tailor in Danchitagi, expressed his gratitude to the REA for the mini-

grid technology’s positive impact on his business. He stated, “I am personally happy with

the electricity as it has improved my business, especially during this Eid season. I now

work overnight using this electricity to make clothes for customers, and in return, I make

more money.”

Alhaji Muhammed Danchitagi, a community member and a local cold room operator

located in the community market equally commended the project explaining that “it has

greatly improved patronage to my business as the mini-grid enables me to keep my

refrigerators fully functional for my customers”

Numerous other business owners in the community have similarly benefited from the

completed and activated project. The REA remains dedicated to empowering rural areas

by providing clean, safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity, one community at a time.

The REA is the Implementing Agency of the Federal

Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the

electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyse economic growth

and improve quality of life for Nigerians. The Agency was established under part IX,

Sections 88- 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.