REA Completes 16 Clean Energy Projects in Rivers, Begins Four More

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed 16 renewable energy projects in Rivers State, providing more than 11.5 megawatts of clean electricity and connecting over 14,300 households and businesses, while work has started on four new solar hybrid mini-grids that will supply power to another 13,492 homes, businesses and public institutions.

The projects show the Federal Government's plan to expand electricity access through renewable energy in communities that have lived with poor or unreliable power supply.

The latest projects are under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, with support from the World Bank. They will serve the communities of Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne.

Reliable electricity is seen as an important step towards supporting small businesses, schools, health centres and local industries in areas that have struggled with limited access to power.

The development also shows that the Federal Government is building on projects already completed in Rivers instead of starting a new effort. The completion of earlier renewable energy projects gives the new mini-grids a stronger foundation as Nigeria seeks to increase electricity access through cleaner sources of energy.

More communities set to benefit from clean electricity

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr Abba Aliyu, said the Agency's work in Rivers State is expanding steadily.

He disclosed that REA has already completed 16 renewable energy projects in the state, delivering more than 11.5MW of installed clean energy capacity and supplying electricity to over 14,300 households and businesses.

Dr Aliyu also announced that the Agency has completed its 10.5MW solar hybrid power plant at the University of Port Harcourt. The project, one of the largest university-based renewable energy facilities in Nigeria, is ready for commissioning.

He said the four new mini-grid projects will provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity that will support businesses, improve healthcare and education services, create jobs and improve living standards in the benefiting communities.

He explained that communities in Rivers State have contributed greatly to Nigeria's energy sector through oil and gas production and should also benefit from dependable electricity that supports local economic activities.

Four new mini-grids expand ongoing investment

The groundbreaking ceremony for the four new mini-grid projects was attended by Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu.

It was stated that the projects indicate cooperation between the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government. Odu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending renewable energy investments to communities in the state through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The four mini-grids have a combined capacity of 11.9MWp and are being implemented by REA under the DARES Programme with financial support from the World Bank.

When completed, it is believed that these projects will provide electricity to more than 13,492 households, businesses and public institutions. Access to reliable power is likely to reduce dependence on costly fuel generators, lower operating costs for small businesses and improve public services.

Besides, Dr Aliyu related the projects to the Federal Government's economic plan, noting that reliable electricity is essential for industrial growth, enterprise and inclusive economic progress.

The new projects aim at strengthening Rivers State's position as one of the states receiving significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure.