Eunice Imo Kalu
Lagos — The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, has achieved another milestone with the commissioning of Nigeria’s first interconnected solar hybrid mini grid in Toto community, Nasarawa State.
The mini-grids, developed by PowerGen, is the outcome of the World Bank-funded performance based grant, PBG, component of the Nigeria Electrification Project, NEP. Conceived under the REA-NEP funded initiative, the project was brought to fruition through collaborative efforts with PowerGen Interconnected Nigeria Limited and Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, AEDC.
The 352.24KWP solar mini-grid plant in Toto is the first of its kind in Nigeria designed to provide reliable, renewable electricity to a significant number of households and businesses. The project aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and is indicative of the progressive strides being made in the Nigerian power sector.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, while inaugurating the plant, remarked on the 2023 Electricity Bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a visionary policy enabling state and local governments, alongside private entities, to actively participate in the power sector.
Chief Adelabu stated that “the legislative milestone has paved the way for projects like the Toto Mini-Grid project to electrify rural communities, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to socio-economic empowerment through energy access”.
“This pioneering project not only reflects the current administration’s dedication to renewable energy but also sets a benchmark for the integration of mini-grids with the national power infrastructure,” he added.
The minister urged other developers to follow PowerGen’s lead in bringing electricity to the rural populace and appealed to the Toto community and the Nasarawa State government “to protect this crucial utility and ensure its sustainable operation for the benefit of all”.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, stated that “the successful completion of the Toto Mini-Grid project is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in driving rural electrification in Nigeria,” adding that “REA remains committed to fostering an environment which encourages similar sustainable and impactful projects nationwide”.
The Managing Director of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, AEDC, Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe, said: “Our collaboration with Powergen and REA in the Toto Mini- Grid project underscores the significant role of DISCOs like Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc in supporting renewable energy initiatives and enhancing the grid with sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities. It is a proof of what can be achieved when we work together, and we are immensely proud of this achievement.’’
Powergen Country Director, Seun Edun, said PowerGen and Abuja Electric Distribution Plc teamed up to pioneer a groundbreaking approach to improving energy access in Nigeria through an interconnected mini-grid model – designed to cater to the energy needs of underserved areas at affordable tariffs below the associated costs of using petrol or diesel generators and added: “Toto community, with more than 2,800 households and businesses now enjoys electricity supply from the interconnected mini-grid which is projected to offset 1,920 MT CO2e annually.”
The 352kWp solar hybrid mini grid project is a testament of renewed efforts of collaboration between the Federal Government and the Private Sector towards closing the electricity gap in Nigeria.
The commissioning marks a transformative step in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on revamping Nigeria’s power infrastructure to provide equitable access to electricity across the nation.
