By Yemi Olakitan
The Federal Government has laid the foundation for the largest minigrid in Abuja.
On Thursday, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, lay the groundwork for the mini-grid plant in the nation’s capital.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of the Korean Energy Project oversees the isolated mini-grids.
Adelebu, who was represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeor, Assistant Director, Renewable and Rural Energy Access, at the groundbreaking ceremony in Rubochi, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, stated he celebrated with the residents of Rubochi, Ikwa, Gada Biyu, and Kugbaru as the beneficiary communities of the significant support.
In his words, the foundation represents a significant advancement since it will increase capacity by 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr, powering 7,300 residential and commercial buildings in the neighbourhoods.
Additionally, he mentioned how the project will change people’s socioeconomic standing.
With an extra 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr of capacity to power 7,300 residential and commercial buildings in these communities while improving the socioeconomic standing of the populace, the minister declared, “It is a great progress.”
He claims that energy poverty is a problem that exists in many of the continent’s countries.
According to Adelabu, several stakeholders are still addressing the impact of energy poverty in various ways.
He pointed out that Nigeria has a distinct history that has led the nation through several stages of its path towards the desired transformation it hopes to see in the energy sector.
“It is my unique honour to celebrate a milestone that embodies the spirit of progress and international collaboration—the groundbreaking of four minigrid projects made possible by the generous support of the Korean Government under Official Development Assistance (ODA),” he continued.
Adelabu pointed out that the power industry has seen revolutionary developments in the past several months.
“We have a people-centered Electricity Act that is intended to increase investment opportunities through State Governments and decentralise the industry.
“As you can see, this Act allows us to investigate renewable energy options across the country in greater detail,” he continued.
He claimed to have already been informed about the community’s support for the REA with regard to land acquisition, security, and general support.
Regarding the long-term upkeep and operation of the plants, he attempted to work in conjunction with the FCT.
The minister stated that intentional sensitization of users and stakeholders results in a shift in culture associated with off-grid electricity.
He praised the organisation and its key allies for advancing the Productive Use Market in Nigeria and for forging a strong route towards sustainability.
Adelabu stated that more lives are being changed and more communities are being brought to life thanks in large part to the Productive Use Market.
Speaking, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of REA, pointed out that the widespread use of non-renewable or polluting energy sources has a significant negative influence on the health and economy of rural people.
Expanding the market for low-impact energy technology, according to him, is a step in the direction of just and sustainable growth.
The head of REA noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) had formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 16, 2022, with the goal of developing four mini-grids within the Federal Capital Territory.
Among them, he said, is the Robuchi Interconnected Minigrid, which would be divided into three fractions and have a total capacity of 900kWp.
“At Ikwa Community of Gwagwalada, construction of 100kWp is also ongoing, and the remaining two would be delivered before December 2024.”
He claimed that the intervention would have provided a total renewable energy capacity of 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr system throughout four major settlements in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with complete implementation of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) project.
The most important aspect of this intervention, according to Ahmad, is that it reinforces the Agency’s ongoing efforts on productive use through the use of auxiliary productive use equipment, like NEMSA-certified smart metering devices, indoor lighting, streetlights, and clean water purification systems.
In order to manage this investment, he stated that REA is now developing a sustainable operation and maintenance model that will be used in conjunction with the newly established Rural Electricity Users’ Cooperative (REUCS) and the FCT.
Regarding the Korean Institute for the Advancement of Technology (KIAT), he stated that you may be confident that these initiatives were created with sustainability considerations ingrained in their conception.
Dr. Salman Bello, the coordinator of the Korean Energy Project, stated that the project’s goal is to provide electricity to three communities.
He claimed that Rubocuhi has the biggest mini-grid in the nation and that it will continue to grow.
He also mentioned that Rubouchi has been without electricity for the previous ten years and assured the locals that they will get electricity by this time next year.
It will be clean in addition to being dependable, he claims. He disclosed that the initiative has a cooperative behind it.
According to Bello, every measure has been taken to ensure the project’s sustainability over its 25-year duration.
200 poles have already been positioned throughout the villages. From the communities, Rubochi of Rubouchi, Community Head,
Alhaji Ibrahim Pada Sa, the High Royal Highness, expressed gratitude to the government for bringing up the project in the neighbourhood.
Despite the lack of funding, he considered the community fortunate. When the project is finished, 4,400 houses will be served, he claims. He said that people’s lives will undoubtedly change as a result.