FG Powers 3000 Enugu Households with Solar Energy Mini Grid
The federal government of Nigeria has commissioned a new 100-kilowatt solar hybrid mini grid in Uhuafor Nomeh, a rural community in Enugu State, with the capacity to bring sustainable electricity to 3,000 households.
This project, inaugurated on Thursday, was developed through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) under the Rural Electrification Agency‘s (REA) leadership, which is focused on delivering off-grid energy solutions to Nigeria’s remote communities.
Representing the REA’s Managing Director, Abubakar Aliyu, at the event, Dora Uboh, the Executive Director of the REF, highlighted the positive impact of the project on the community.
“This solar mini grid brings clean, sustainable energy to Uhuafor Nomeh, directly empowering households and transforming lives,” said Uboh, emphasizing the broader goal of improving socio-economic conditions through energy access.
The solar project arrives at a critical time, with increased efforts from the government to tackle climate change through sustainable energy solutions.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, and this initiative demonstrates our support for clean energy,” Uboh noted, reflecting on the importance of sustainable rural electrification.
Aliyu further underscored that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to prioritise the energy sector.
“This administration is dedicated to advancing reliable and equitable power access for all Nigerians,” he remarked. “Today’s commissioning of the Uhuafor Nomeh mini grid is a testament to this commitment.”
Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, has, for decades, battled an unstable power supply, with occasional collapses of the national grid. This year alone, the national grid has collapsed at least seven times. Additionally, 85 million Nigerians are not connected to the national grid, which is estimated to cost the nation a loss of $26 billion annually.
According to REA, the REF initiative has already deployed more than 50 solar mini grids nationwide, significantly improving energy access in rural regions. The agency aims to expand its reach, promising to continue developing sustainable energy projects to serve the unserved and underserved populations in Nigeria.
The new solar facility not only brings light to households but also supports local economic activities, boosting productivity and offering new opportunities to the community.
“Electricity is not just a utility; it’s a pathway to growth and development,” Uboh concluded, inviting more rural communities to anticipate similar advancements.
