…With technical support from W/Bank ($350m), AfDB ($200m)
Nigerian government, through its implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has commissioned two solar hybrid mini grids in the villages of Akipelai and Oloibiri in Bayelsa State.
The grids have a total capacity of 134.64kW for both communities under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
The two systems include 134.64kW of solar PV, 180kWh of lithium battery storage and 2 units of 100kva diesel generator sets. The solar hybrid mini grids are expected to provide clean, safe and reliable electricity to hundreds of people and spur economic growth and development in Akipelai and Oloibiri respectively, a report said.
The NEP is a federal government programme that seeks to provide energy access to households and business enterprises in off-grid communities across Nigeria through renewable power sources. The solar hybrid plants have been commissioned under the performance-based grant (PBG) component of NEP.
Renewvia Energy Corporation, a recipient of the performance-based grants (PBG) from the REA through the World Bank funded NEP, successfully developed the two solar hybrid mini grids in Bayelsa state.
The 67.32kW solar hybrid mini grids in Akipelai and Oloibiri are estimated to connect 364 households.
These mini grids utilize lithium-ion battery storage to provide reliable power throughout non daylight hours and are designed to scale as individual household and communal power demand increases.
“REA is committed to scaling up reliable and sustainable energy access to rural unserved and underserved communities through provision of grants to mini grid developers, which is the intent of the Nigerian government through the NEP”.
“After signing two performance-based grant agreements with Renewvia Energy, we are delighted to see the completion of these two projects and we look forward to commissioning more sustainable electrification solutions in our rural communities by grant beneficiaries” stated the MD/CEO, REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.
The World Bank Task Team Lead, Mr. Jon Exel stated, “The solar hybrid mini grids in Akipelai and Oloibiri will boost the local economy and improve the quality of life in both communities through electrification of homes, schools, and businesses. The project’s mini grid component, specifically, aims to develop solar hybrid mini grids to serve 300,000 households and 30,000 MSMEs with clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity.
Together, the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria are determined to transform the power sector with the goal of increasing electricity access for all Nigerians.
The Chief Executive Officer of Renewvia Energy, Mr. Trey Jarrard in his remark, informed that “Renewvia Energy is pleased to help fulfill the bold ambitions of the Nigeria electrification project. We are proud of Renewvia’s state-of-the-art micro grids, which have the ability to scale with the needs of each of these villages, and we look forward to expanding our work in Nigeria in the near future.”
And it is through the provision of grant funding, detailed market data and technical assistance, in collaboration with the World Bank ($350m) and African Development Bank ($200m). The NEP components are solar hybrid mini grids, solar home systems (SHS) and the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).
Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
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