- REA and NABDA have signed an MoU for rural electrification in Nigeria.
- REa plans to explore the MoU under its recently launched Research & Innovation Hub.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja on the 21st of November 2021. The MoU will see both organizations partner in the area of “Evolving Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Optimized and Sustainable Electricity Supply in the Areas of Operations of Rural Electrification Agency”. NABDA is a specialized agency of the government. Its mandate is to promote, coordinate, develop and deploy cutting-edge biotechnology research and development, processes and products for the socio-economic well-being of the nation.
The Agency recently patented innovation, and a BEGS Digesters Series is a biodigester that converts biodegradable organic feedstock to biogas, which the biogas further used as fuel for generating electricity. REA believes that technologies such as these correspond with the REA’s goal of deploying innovative and sustainable off-grid energy solutions across communities in Africa.
The MD/CEO of REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad and the DG/CEO of NABDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, at the MoU signing expressed delight at the technological possibilities as well as the opportunities for idea exchange on improving electrification in Nigeria. However, Engr. Salihijo noted the need to leverage other sources of energy other than solar. According to the REA, technical team members from both agencies have begun optimizing the MoU as the REA is set to leverage NABDA’s BEGS Digester Series on some planned REA projects using biomass systems. “The efforts are being explored under the recently launched Research & Innovation Hub at the REA, which seeks to nurture innovative approaches to rural electrification by providing grant funding to support promising renewable energy technologies, business models and related research,” the company’s statement added.