The Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has commissioned 990kWp solar hybrid mini-grid project to provide reliable supply for band D and E customers in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The project is to serve 3,500 households in the community spanning small scale industries and others.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Engr. Abba Aliyu said while the Minister is working hard to increase generation for band A, B,C, it is also making ways to provide reliable supply to Band D and E.
He said: “And the essence of this project is, one, minister’s strategy of enhancing reliability for band D and E.
“While the minister is working towards creating, enhancing generation and reliability for band A, B, and C, we are also working from the bottom, creating reliability for band D and E.”
The REA boss said the project is one of the schemes for the deployment of another 40 interconnected mini-grids, working with seven distribution companies.
He recalled that Adelabu recently travelled to Japan and the outcome is furthering discussion for additional financing of $200 million, of which some part of that money will also be used to deploy additional 100 interconnected mini-grids to power Nigerians.
Adelabu said the Federal Government would ensure the the project is operational and sustainable in the long term.
He further revealed that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is committed building capacity for maintenance of the energy system.
According to him: “Sustainability and Long-Term Impact. While the installation of this mini-grid is a significant milestone, we must focus on ensuring that this infrastructure remains operational and sustainable in the long term.
“The Federal Ministry of Power, through the Rural Electrification Agency, is committed to supporting the continuous maintenance and capacity building for local communities to manage and sustain these energy systems effectively.”
