FG expands renewable power with 60.82MW mini-grid rollout

The Federal Government of Nigeria, via the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has announced plans to add 60.82 megawatts of renewable energy into the national grid through the launch of decentralised mini-grid projects. This milestone was reached during the groundbreaking of a 13.92-megawatt-peak hybrid solar project in Yobe State.

The new project brings the total capacity of recent REA renewable energy projects in six states to 60.82MW. Prior to the Yobe project, the agency had initiated 46.9MW of power infrastructure across five states, including mini-grid installations in Kogi, Rivers, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Plateau states.

The Yobe project, backed by the World Bank, features 40 distribution transformers and covers key commercial and residential areas. It comprises several installation points spread across the state, including Nguru, Yarimaram, Gashua, Rugan Fulani, and Waziri Ibrahim Estate, among others. The 13.92MWp capacity aims to enhance electricity supply, stabilize power, and stimulate local economic activities.

The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, commended the REA's commitment, highlighting how the project aligns with the administration's vision for resilient infrastructure to enhance industrial capacity and agricultural productivity. Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, REA Managing Director and CEO, explained that interconnected hybrid mini-grids seamlessly integrate with existing distribution networks.

These systems are designed to empower communities by connecting them to opportunity, fostering business growth, innovation among young people, improved agricultural processing, better healthcare services, and local economic development.

Beyond the 60.82MW covered by the recent groundbreakings, the REA revealed that there are 14 additional pipeline projects underway in Yobe State alone. These projects, announced following a strategic roundtable in June 2025, would collectively add another 15.3MWp of capacity when completed. This expansion is projected to provide electricity access to 23,870 new connections across various communities, including Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, and Dibbwol.