Over 13,000 homes to benefit as NEWS Engineering begins solar mini-grid project

 

NEWS Engineering Ltd. has commenced the construction and installation of solar mini-grids with a combined capacity of 11.9 megawatt peak (MWp) under the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) Interconnected Mini-Grids Project.

The project is expected to provide electricity to more than 13,000 households, businesses and public institutions across four communities in Rivers State.

The communities that will benefit from the project are Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne.

The project was officially launched during a groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Josephine Nwaeze, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEWS Engineering Ltd., said the World Bank-funded project would be delivered through a joint venture between NEWS Engineering and PowerChina Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Company.

According to her, the project is designed to expand access to renewable energy while supporting economic activities and improving living conditions in the beneficiary communities.

She also acknowledged the support of the Rivers State Government for hosting the ceremony and backing the implementation of the project.

“The Rivers State Government’s decision to initiate and host this groundbreaking ceremony reflects its commitment to the successful implementation of this strategic renewable energy initiative,” she said.

Lady Nwaeze reaffirmed the commitment of the NEWS Engineering–PowerChina joint venture to completing the project in line with international standards.

“By combining NEWS Engineering’s over four decades of experience in Nigeria’s power and infrastructure sector with PowerChina’s internationally recognised technical expertise in project delivery, we are well positioned to deliver world-class infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence,” she said.

Representing the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Nma Odu, said the project reflects cooperation between the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government in expanding access to electricity.

She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting renewable energy projects in the state through the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the investment would improve electricity access in communities that have faced power supply challenges.

Also speaking, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, said the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that communities are not excluded from development because of their location.

He said expanding electricity access remains a key part of the country’s development agenda, adding that projects such as the DARES programme are helping to connect underserved communities to reliable power.

The solar mini-grids are expected to support homes, schools, health facilities and businesses, providing electricity that can improve daily activities and create opportunities for local economic growth.