Electricity Access: REA Partners 9 Renewable Energy Companies

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has entered agreements with 9 Renewable Energy Companies to provide electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians.

The renewable energy companies involved are:

1. Privida Power Limited
2. Baobab Plus,
3. Salpha Energy,
4. Asolar,
5. NTA-StarTimes,
6. A4&T Power Solutions,
7. Sunking Greenlight Planet,
8. Bboxx, and
9. Light

The agreement with these firms would see to the deployment of 1,350 mini-grids in the target communities, Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu has stated.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Monday, he stated, it would ensure electricity access for more Nigerians.

“This initiative also contributes to the broader Mission 300, a global effort to deliver energy access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, as Nigeria advances toward achieving universal electricity access.’’

According to him, the project would involve two phases: deployment of mini-grids (both isolated and interconnected), and deployment of solar home systems.

“The 11 sites we are signing with Privida Power Limited alone will add over 2.5 megawatts of reliable energy, resulting in an additional 11,000 connections.

“Meanwhile, eight companies will deploy 1.6 million solar home systems across rural areas”, he stated.

The mini-grids being deployed were intended to enhance the reliability of electricity supply to Band D and E customers, while also improving electricity access to underserved communities.

According to Aliyu, 198 sites had already been submitted for the project, adding that REA’s involvement in the project underscores its commitment to helping in tackling problems of the Nigerian power sector.

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“The issue of 18 million Nigerians without access to electricity will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to interventions like DARES and other REA projects.

“Today’s signing is not just a contract; it is a commitment to communities long underserved by conventional infrastructure.”

“Every connection made under DARES represents a doorway to education, healthcare, commerce, and inclusion.

“The over 11,027 new connections to be delivered under this project symbolise lives transformed, futures energised, and a Nigeria that leaves no one behind”, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Mr Olufemi Akinyelure said.

“These renewable energy solutions are crucial for providing reliable and affordable electricity to off-grid communities, unlocking their potential for social and economic advancement”, he added.