REA commissions 100kW solar hybrid grid in Edo state
As part of efforts to electrify rural communities across the country, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has commissioned a 100kW solar hybrid mini grid in Adebayo community in Ovia South East local government of Edo state which has been without electricity for decades.
Commissioning the project on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Agba, noted that renewable energy solutions are what is needed to bridge the electricity gap in the country.
He said the ministry will work with the legislative arms and critical stakeholders to create policies that will favour renewable energy investment and private participation through the rural electrification fund and Nigeria electrification project implemented by REA.
“Though the electricity deficit has been an albatross for too long, we are positive that through these off-gid solution we will electrify rural communities across geographical regions of the country,”
“Electricity is a continuous process We plan to do all that it takes to ensure that massive renewable energy are efficiently utilized and evenly deployed across the country,”
Earlier, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Rural Electricity Agency (REA), Mr. Salihijo Ahmad, said the agency through the federal government Rural Electricity Fund (REF), will ensure electricity access to 12 communities through solar home system across the country.
He said, “over 19,000 Solar Home System would be deployed to the communities.
“This project in partnership with Fanny Frank global resources limited was delivered under the first call of the federal government ‘s Rural Electrification Fund (REF), designed to promoted off-grid electrification and ensure that electricity is equitably distributed across Nigeria using data-driven off-grid solution,”
According to him, the agency intervention in off-grid communities is key to accelerating electrification and national development.
He however commended president Muhammadu Bihari for his unwavering support in ensuring the implementation of the projects.
In his speech, the CEO, Fanny Frank, said the installed power plant has a total capacity of 100kW, 294 high grade solar panel, 72 batteries, 20 street lights and 27 kilometer distribution cable.
On his part, the community’s village head, Chief Lateef Agbaje,commended the federal government for coming to the aid of the community he said has been without electricity for decades.
He noted that with the electricity small businesses will grow in the community while they will not will have uninterrupted 24 hours electricity.
The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Magaji Aliyu was among dignitaries present.
