…The 352.24KWP Interconnected Hybrid Solar Mini-Grid Plant in Toto is the first of its kind in Nigeria, designed to provide reliable, renewable electricity to a significant number of households and businesses.
…Toto community, with more than 2,800 households and businesses now enjoys electricity supply from the interconnected mini-grid which is projected to offset 1,920 MT CO2e annually.
FRI, NOV 10 2023-theGBJournal|The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has achieved yet another incredible milestone with the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Interconnected Solar Hybrid Mini Grid in Toto community, Nasarawa State.
This milestone has been achieved in collaboration with Powergen Nigeria Limited and Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC). This 352kWp solar hybrid mini grid project is a testament of renewed efforts of collaboration between the Federal Government and the Private Sector towards closing the electricity gap in Nigeria.
The 352.24KWP Interconnected Hybrid Solar Mini-Grid Plant in Toto is the first of its kind in Nigeria, designed to provide reliable, renewable electricity to a significant number of households and businesses.
The project aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and is indicative of the progressive strides being made in the Nigerian power sector.
The Interconnected Solar Hybrid Mini-Grids developed by PowerGen is the outcome of the World Bank Funded Performance Based Grant (PBG) Component of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). The interconnected mini grid currently provides reliable electricity to more than 2000 Households, 141 Commercial Users, 18 Productive Users and 45 Public Users in the community to improve the socio-economic life of the community.
Conceived under the REA-NEP funded initiative, the project was brought to fruition through collaborative efforts with PowerGen Interconnected Nigeria Limited.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the 2023 Electricity Bill, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, as a visionary policy enabling state and local governments, alongside private entities, to actively participate in the power sector.
Chief Adelabu who made the remark while inaugurating Nigeria’s first 352.24KWP Interconnected Hybrid Solar Mini-Grid Plant in Toto Community, Nasarawa State, stated that, “the legislative milestone has paved the way for projects like the Toto Mini- Grid project to electrify rural communities, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to socio-economic empowerment through energy access.
This pioneering project not only reflects the current administration’s dedication to renewable energy but also sets a benchmark for the integration of mini-grids with the national power infrastructure”
The Minister urged other developers to follow PowerGen’s lead in bringing electricity to the rural populace and appealed to the Toto community and the Nasarawa State Government to protect this crucial utility and ensure its sustainable operation for the benefit of all.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad stated that, “The successful completion of the Toto Mini-Grid project is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in driving rural electrification in Nigeria. The REA remains committed to fostering an environment which encourages similar sustainable and impactful projects nationwide”.
The Managing Director of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe highlighted, “Our collaboration with POWERGEN and REA in the Toto Mini- Grid project underscores the significant role of DISCOs like Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc in supporting renewable energy initiatives and enhancing the grid with sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities. It is a proof of what can be achieved when we work together, and we are immensely proud of this achievement.’’
Powergen Country Director, Seun Edun Stated that PowerGen and Abuja Electric Distribution Plc (AEDC) teamed up to pioneer a groundbreaking approach to improving energy access in Nigeria through an interconnected mini-grid model – designed to cater to the energy needs of underserved areas at affordable tariffs below the associated costs of using petrol or diesel generators.
Toto community, with more than 2,800 households and businesses now enjoys electricity supply from the interconnected mini-grid which is projected to offset 1,920 MT CO2e annually.
The commissioning marks a transformative step in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on revamping Nigeria’s power infrastructure to provide equitable access to electricity across the nation.
The REA is currently implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Solar Power Naija (SPN), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), Energy for All – Mass Rural Electrification and Research and Innovation Hub. Africa Mini Grids Programme and Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions.
The Agency is responsible for creating an enabling environment for private sector-led projects, which includes conducting feasibility assessments, energy audits, enumeration, data analysis, identification of qualified private sector developers, and project stakeholder engagements.
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