By Abdullahi Lukman
Gombe State has inaugurated a pioneering 620KW hybrid power system at the Balanga Dam, a project hailed as a major milestone in the state’s pursuit of energy security and rural electrification.
The system, which integrates small hydropower and solar photovoltaic technologies, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is designed to provide reliable electricity to the Talasse community in the Balanga Local Government Area.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, funded by the European Union (EU), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the implementing partner.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, emphasized that the project aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
He expressed deep gratitude to all partners and urged the host community to take ownership of the project to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the initiative as a model for clean energy deployment in rural Nigeria.
He confirmed that the solar PV component would be completed within a month, while UNIDO’s Regional Director, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, noted that the hydropower component is slated for completion by January 2026. Johnson also highlighted the project’s potential to significantly boost agricultural productivity and drive economic development in the state, making Gombe the first state in the country to benefit from this innovative initiative.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Saidu Muhammed Fawu, the hybrid system is expected to drive sustainable development, boost local economies, and solidify Gombe’s position as a leader in Nigeria’s energy transition.
