The Federal Government (FG) commenced the construction of a 900KWp capacity interconnected mini-grid project in Robuchi, a community under Kuje Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory.
It stated that the project is an outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Korean Institute for the Advancement of Technology (KIAT) to develop four mini-grids within the FCT.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the mini-grid intervention across the benefiting communities will energize 7,300 residential and commercial homes.
“It is my distinct honour to celebrate a milestone that embodies the spirit of progress and international collaboration – the groundbreaking of four mini grid projects through the generous support of the Korean Government under Official Development Assistance (ODA).
“In the last few months, we all have noticed and witnessed transformative changes in the power sector. We have a people-centred Electricity Act specifically designed to decentralize the sector and expand investment opportunities through the State Governments.
“This Act, as you can see, gives us the opportunity to further explore renewable energy solutions across the nation,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmed Salihijo noted the struggles of rural communities with no access to renewable energy sources.
His words: “Rural communities suffer profound health and economic impacts as a result of the wide use of non-renewable or polluting energy sources.
“Growing the market for lower impact energy technologies is a step towards equitable, cleaner development.”
Apart from Robuchi, he said the construction of a 100kWp is also ongoing at Ikwa Community of Gwagwalada, while the remaining two would be delivered before December 2024.
He said upon the full delivery of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, the intervention would have delivered a total renewable energy capacity of 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr system across the four main communities in the FCT.
“The most significant part of this intervention is the fact that it further strengthens the Agency’s ongoing efforts on Productive Use through auxiliary Productive Use Equipment such as smart metering devices certified by NEMSA, streetlights, indoor lighting, and clean water purification systems,” he noted.
. TheWitness
