THE REA MD INSPECTS A 200KW SOLAR HYBRID MINI-GRID PROJECT IN NIGER.

By Tunji Wusu –

Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), examined a 200-kilowatt peak solar hybrid mini-grid project in Danchitagi Community, Lavun LGA, Niger State, over the weekend.

The project, created by PowerGen with 450kWh Li-ion batteries, is now fully operational and serves over 700 community members.

After assessing the project, the MD stated that it was deployed under the World Bank-funded Performance-Based Grant (PBG) program of the Solar Hybrid Mini Grid component of the Nigeria Electrification Project.

The visit’s goal was to examine the project’s impact on beneficiary communities and to assure compliance with the Agency’s authorized technical requirements.

According to Engr. Salihijo, over 80 identical mini-grids have been deployed across the country as part of the NEP-PBG program to improve fair access to power.

He stressed that the Agency will continue to accelerate the deployment of significant energy access projects while ensuring standardization.

According to Salihijo, “REA’s mini-grids continue to stimulate productive use of energy, driving socioeconomic development.”

He also emphasized the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy, particularly in light of the recent elimination of gasoline subsidies. Beneficiaries may now use clean energy to power their homes and businesses, instead of the more expensive alternatives of gasoline and diesel generators.