World Bank, AFDB provide $550m support for off-grid solutions

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced the receipt of $550 million funding from the World Bank (WB) and the African Development Bank (ADB) to support the implementation of its development projects. off-grid solutions.

Mr Ahmed Abubakar, communications expert, REA, who made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday, added that of the amount, $ 213 million was intended for components of the mini-grid of the WB and the AfDB, while $ 75 million was for the stand-alone component of WB solar home systems.

He further explained that $ 205 million was intended for components II and III of the Energy Education Program (EEP) of the WB and ADB, while $ 20 million was intended for the productive use component of AfDB, as well as $ 37 million for technical works. assistance.

“The objective of the project is to provide access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity to a minimum of 2.5 million Nigerians, which is equivalent to around 500,000 households.

“A breakdown of what the program has achieved so far is the signing of grant agreements under the mini-grid sub-component, with 13 companies for the deployment of solar mini-grids at 86 sites in the off-grid communities, ”he said. .

Abubakar added that REA has deployed and commissioned seven hybrid solar mini-grids with a total connection of 3,828 and an energy capacity of 529.79 kW.

He said the agency had also signed grant agreements with 26 companies under the Results Based Fund (OBF) subcomponent of stand-alone solar home systems for households and MSMEs.

REA has also installed 221,971 solar home systems (SHS) in households, micro, small and medium enterprises as well as public establishments.

“The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), has provided off-grid solutions to address the electricity shortage in unserved and underserved rural communities.

“This includes households, micro, small and medium enterprises, federal universities, as well as health centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country, with the financial support of the WB and the ADB, respectively.

“NEP is privately led and provides grants through its hybrid solar mini-grids, stand-alone solar home systems, and device components for productive use to bridge the gap in access to electricity. electrification.

“And stimulate load demand, while improving consumer livelihoods, to make mini-grid-powered communities more attractive and viable,” he said.

Likewise, Abubakar added that REA has also signed contractual agreements with eight companies for the deployment of containerized solar hybrid solutions to power 100 isolation and treatment centres (ITCs) as part of the REA / NEP COVID response program. -19 & Beyond.

“REA has conducted community engagement exercises in nine states – Ogun, Cross River, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, Abia, Bauchi, Kano and Anambra – to raise awareness and gain community buy-in for the sustainability of mini-projects. – NEP network.

“REA has also started preparations for the deployment of hybrid solar power plants at federal universities and teaching hospitals, as part of phases II and III of the energy education program.

REA / NEP calls for more private sector support to help bridge the electrification gap by visiting the NEP website @ www.nep.rea.gov.ng on how to apply regarding the component that best matches their interests and background, “he said. (NAA)