- The NEP of the World Bank, alongside the REA, conceived the four solar mini-grids project and jointly executed by Concerto and CESEL.
- In October, the REA and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association signed a MOU to promote and accelerate mini-grid development in Nigeria.
Over 1,200 households in Osun State have been connected to an electricity supply through four solar hybrid mini-grid systems. With a combined output of 150KW, they set up the systems in the Osi, Arajoshua, Alutierin and Olomuoja communities in the Ife South Local Government Area. The project was conceived under the auspices of the Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) of the World Bank and the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and jointly executed by Concerto and CESEL.
CESEL said recently that the solar energy project aimed to “provide reliable and sustainable electricity access to the communities, thereby empowering them with enhanced opportunities for economic growth, education and healthcare. The project signified an important step towards achieving the state’s energy goals while ensuring a cleaner and greener future for the people.” CESEL said its collaboration with the Osun State government “represents a shared vision for a brighter future, where sustainable energy serves as a catalyst for progress and prosperity.”
In October, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and accelerate mini-grid development in Nigeria. The MoU will focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building and better coordination of the sector, amongst other initiatives. Nigeria has one the largest mini-grid markets in Africa, with more than 100 mini-grids currently in operation primarily through the implementation of data-driven programmes and initiatives of the REA. However, due to the energy access gap in the country, there is still a significant need for more decentralised energy interventions to bridge the energy deficit and catalyse socio-economic growth, particularly in rural, unserved, underserved communities hard hit by energy poverty.