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Plateau government partners with REA to improve access to solar energy in rural areas
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Plateau government partners with REA to improve access to solar energy in rural areas

The Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to improve electricity supply to rural communities through the use of solar energy.

Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to NANGovernor Mutfwang explained that the initiative would foster strategic and long-term collaboration aimed at expanding electrification strategies to develop and operate sustainable energy solutions across the state.

He noted that it seeks to provide decentralized solar energy solutions to rural communities, ensuring reliable and sustainable access to energy throughout the state.

“This highlights our immense potential in renewable energy, and my administration is committed to strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Corporation (NESCO), in which the state government has a major stake.» he said.

He assured investors of a conducive business environment, promising to address bureaucratic bottlenecks and security concerns to ensure smooth operations.

Press Director Bere further highlighted the governor’s statement, emphasizing how the administration is committed to facilitating essential approvals such as land allocation, community collaboration, and that the aim is to make of Plateau the main industrial center of renewable energies in Nigeria.

“My administration stands ready to provide necessary approvals, including land allocation, community engagement and other incentives, so we can leverage technology to enhance security across the state.” My wish is to position Plateau as Nigeria’s industrial hub for renewable energies within two years. Bere cited

In his speech, Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, lauded Governor Mutfwang’s vision to revitalize the energy sector, describing it as a key driver of economic growth in the state.

Aliyu highlighted the low access to electricity in the Plateau despite its vast agricultural potential and promised that the REA would work closely with the government to address these challenges.

He also expressed optimism about Plateau’s ability to attract investments in renewable energy, revealing that one company has already expressed interest in investing $150 million in the renewable energy sector in Nigeria, with Plateau identified as potential beneficiary.

History

Following various developments in the electricity sector, many states are increasingly adopting solar energy solutions. One such case was previously reported by Nairametrics, which detailed the agreement signed for a solar power project in Bauchi State.

  • This agreement was shared by John Zhao, an official of the CCECC, on his official account X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, noting an important collaboration aimed at advancing the renewable energy capacity of Bauchi State and to meet the electricity supply challenges in the region.
  • The project involves the installation of centralized photovoltaic (PV) modules designed to efficiently harness solar energy, only supported by advanced energy storage systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially during periods of low sunlight.
  • Additionally, the development of transmission lines and distribution facilities is a crucial part of the project, ensuring that the electricity generated by the solar plant reaches communities across the state. The integration of these components aims to establish a robust electricity distribution network, improving reliability and access to energy in Bauchi State.
  • The agreement shows Bauchi State’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and leveraging renewable solutions to reduce its dependence on the national grid. This collaboration is part of broader national efforts to improve access to electricity and support sustainable development across Nigeria.

The adoption of solar energy is vital to addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges, as it offers a sustainable and reliable source of energy that reduces dependence on the unstable national grid.


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