REA powers Nigeria with additional 23 mini-grids

.As agency, UNDP, GEF provide $5.91m to 18 renewable energy developers

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has advanced the implementation of the Africa Mini-grids Program, as it awards $5.91 million to 18 renewable energy developers to produce 23 additional mini-grids across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

Launched in 2022 and currently active in 21 countries, the Africa Mini-Grids Program (AMP) is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Nigeria.

According to REA, 23 agricultural sites have been prioritised for the pilot phase of AMP. These sites are centered on diverse agricultural activities, including grain processing, non-grain processing and strengthening support and value addition for cash crops and other agro byproducts and cold storage in order to reduce post-harvest losses and enable access to cooling and refrigeration solutions.

Speaking on the agency’s partnership with the GEF and UNDP, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, chief executive officer of REA, explained that the AMP aligns with the federal government’s focus on the optimising decentralised renewable energy solutions to catalyse growth and unlock opportunities, especially in the agricultural sector.

According to him, “REA’s focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion, if well harnessed. Beyond powering homes, the implementation of the AMP will energize businesses, strengthen innovation in the sector, foster job creation, and reduce energy poverty across the country.”

The AMP grant award ceremony, which was convened by the REA on Friday, signaled the kick-off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp. This intervention, according to the agency, is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections.

Stanley Jonah, GEF operational focal person, while reiterating the impact of the AMP, explained that the completion of the AMP projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but also impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers. He explained that the GEF remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.

Also commenting on the program, Elsie Attafuah, UNDP resident representative, who was represented by Muyiwa Odele, head of climate change Unit, UNDP Nigeria, while commending the REA’s project implementation culture, explained that the timely delivery of the AMP energy access interventions will catalyse broader opportunities for the private sector and serve as a guide for the over 21 implementing countries in Africa.

In his remarks, Bala Tyoden, AMP programme lead, urged the grantees to uphold the culture of compliance and adherence to standards and specifications as well as transparency in line with the REA’s mandate, adding that the REA and its partners are committed to the delivery of efficient and sustainable infrastructure to Nigerians in last-mile communities.

With a 48-month timeline, the AMP-funded mini-grids are targeted at catalysing access to energy-efficient, sustainable infrastructure for small-holder farmers in last-mile communities.