REA Releases New Funds For CESEL-Concerto JV Power Projects

The CESEL- Concerto Joint Venture has received the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Performance Based Grant (PBG) funded by the World Bank to embark on more power supply projects.

The grant was a follow up to the successful commissioning of four Solar Hybrid Mini – Grid Projects in Osi, Arajoshua, Alutierin, and Olomuoja communities in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State in October 2023.

The REA’s support of this project underscores their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) which calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030 and the role of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG17), as the delivery of sustainable energy objectives across Nigeria has only been possible due to the REA’s strategic collaborations with its partners.

The CESEL – Concerto Mini-Grid project commenced in 2023, achieved the milestone of Technical Commissioning in October 2023, and in January 2024, held a Grand Commissioning event in Ile Ife, with His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR, the Osun State Governor ably represented by Honourable Rev Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industries,  Honourable Engr. Festus Ademola Adeyemo, the Commissioner for Energy Matters for Osun State, Mr. Arsh Sharma, Senior Energy Specialist, the World Bank and other dignitaries and paramount rulers in attendance.

Today, the completed 150kw solar hybrid mini-grids in the communities represent a significant leap towards achieving universal access to electricity in off-grid locations and reducing energy poverty in Nigeria.

The four mini-grid sites deliver electricity to over 1,200 households and marks a significant development milestone for the communities.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Patrick Tolani, the CEO of CESEL, said ‘‘The completed mini-grid project provides a reliable and sustainable source of energy, which has transformed lives and fostered economic growth.

We appreciate our partners the World Bank and Rural Electrification Agency for their critical role in success of this project.’’

Acknowledging receipt of the grant, ‘Lare Daramola, Chair of the CESEL-Concerto JV said, ‘‘On behalf of the CESEL- Conserto JV, I would like to thank the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency for their support, partnership and oversight, which have made this project possible.

I am personally grateful for the sterling leadership of the REA Managing Director and CEO, Abba Aliyu.

This grant is a strong endorsement of the sterling work being done by the CESEL – Concerto JV to provide reliable and clean electricity to communities disconnected from the national grid. We hope to replicate the success of this project in other underserved communities in the near future.’’

The JV remains dedicated to supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and international partners to expand access to clean energy across Nigeria.