- Cloud Energy commissions a 50kW solar mini-grid after 20 years of darkness.
- The project boosts economic activity, powering fifty rice mills and local businesses.
Nigeria has marked a significant milestone in rural solar transformation, as Cloud Energy Photoelectric Limited commissioned a 50kW solar mini-grid in Namu, Plateau State.
The project, developed through a strategic partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, has restored electricity to a community that endured twenty years without power. This achievement marks a new chapter in rural solar transformation, underscoring the potential of renewable energy to transform rural livelihoods.
The commissioning ceremony carried a celebratory mood, and residents expressed clear relief as power was restored to their homes and businesses. Consequently, economic activities resumed quickly, and traders reopened their shops with renewed confidence. The restored supply is already supporting job creation and strengthening local commerce.
Cloud Energy’s Managing Director, Engr. Theophilus Nweke explained that the company invested significant resources because Namu has substantial economic potential. He revealed that the community hosts around fifty rice mills, all of which are now able to operate using clean and reliable solar power. He added that productivity will rise as operators depend less on expensive diesel generators.
Engr. Nweke also stressed the need to scale the mini-grid to two megawatts. He argued that expansion will support industrial growth across Qua’an Pan and enhance Plateau State’s rural economy. While addressing community leaders, he acknowledged concerns from residents who felt power had not reached every household. However, he assured them that the long wait had come to an end, and he described the new mini-grid as the foundation for stable and dependable electricity.
REA’s Managing Director, Abubakar Abba Aliyu, highlighted the importance of the African Mini-Grid Programme. He noted that the initiative aims to increase access to clean energy, reduce power costs, and attract large-scale investment. He emphasised that the Namu project represents more than an installation. It stands as a symbol of transformation that will energise local businesses and benefit farmers and families.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, welcomed the development and pledged sustained support for renewable energy. He stated that his administration will prioritise clean power because it offers long-term growth for rural communities.
Cloud Energy reaffirmed its capacity to drive inclusive growth through solar mini-grids. The company cited similar success in Ita Awoke, Ebonyi State, where reliable solar power now supports water supply, grain processing, and rice milling. The Namu project demonstrates how clean energy can unlock rural potential and strengthen community resilience.