REA to construct over 1000 mini-grids for off-grid communities

The Rural Electrification Company (REA) has disclosed plans to construct over 1,000 mini-grids in off-grid communities by way of the third grant of its Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to strengthen vitality entry in Nigeria.

Based on REA, a key element of the Nigerian Electrification Programme (NEP) and the Minimal Subsidy Tender (MST) programme is to catalyse the Nigerian off-grid market whereas aiding the deployment of photo voltaic hybrid mini-grids at scale.

REA added that the NEP’s Photo voltaic Hybrid Mini Grid element helps the event of personal sector mini-grids in unserved and underserved areas with excessive financial progress potential.

Ahmad Salihijo, managing director and CEO of REA, stated through the Rural Electrification Fund Name-3 Bidders Workshop in Abuja that the electrification of rural areas by way of off-grid is to create an enabling surroundings to facilitate investments in varied methods, together with entry to knowledge, coverage help, grants, capability growth, and financing.

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“The company’s aim of offering and rising vitality entry to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians by way of renewable vitality is crucial if we’re to ship the financial advantages that can spur rural financial progress and growth in Nigeria,” he stated.

“Testimonies from the commissioning of assorted REA initiatives, together with REF calls, have confirmed that renewable vitality know-how, its economics, and its enterprise fashions work.”

Based on Salihijo, REA will proceed to leverage off-grid renewable vitality potential to remodel extra rural communities throughout the nation by way of REF Name 3.

“We anticipate that over 1,000 mini-grids shall be constructed within the subsequent few years, in tandem with different REA programmes and initiatives, in addition to the lately introduced intervention of the president to deploy 5 million solar-based connections throughout Nigeria by way of the Financial Sustainability Plan,” he stated.

On his half, Magaji Abdu, deputy director of REF, stated the mission has led to the creation of 19,310 residence methods and 138,000 houses related with 16 mini-grids accomplished.

“The grant to be given to the builders would guarantee decreased tariffs for customers whereas they take pleasure in high quality energy,” Abdu stated.