The Federal Government (FG) on Thursday, Commissioned a 352KwP capacity interconnected hybrid solar mini-grids plant in Toto, Nasarawa State.
The project is expected to power 2000 households in the community.
While Commissioning the project, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu stated that the project would open a pathway to socio-economic growth and prosperity of beneficiary communities.
He expressed the Federal Government’s (FG) commitment to reinvigorating the power sector and providing affordable energy to rural communities.
“The 2023 Electricity Bill occupies a place of importance on our nation’s energy roadmap, as it clearly signifies the administration’s commitment to transforming our power sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Among the many peculiarities of the Bill is the enabling of states, local governments and individuals to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth by generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity,” he added.
On his part, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo stated that the agency has optimized the Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) to strengthen the off-grid space while deploying over 100 mini-grids and powering over 5 million Nigerians.
Salihijo explained that the 352.24Kwp, which is one of the nation’s largest inter-connected mini-grid noted that its availability of energy access will have a transformative impact on the lives of the benefitting community
According to him, the intervention is designed to aid socio-economic development while creating opportunities for new and existing productive activities.
He expressed hope that while REA continues to witness the strength of collaborations in the nation’s off-grid space, the project and many others will continue to serve as a model in Sub-Saharan Africa.
While explaining workings of the project, Powergen Country Director, Seun Edun stated that the Toto Interconnected Mini-Grid, has 972kWh Battery Energy Storage System and a 400kW backup diesel generator.
Edun reiterated that PowerGen will continue to contribute in achieving the vision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide access to electricity to the over 85 million unserved and many more underserved Nigerians,
“We will be investing a further $100million to develop up to 100MW of Distributed Renewable Energy Systems across Nigeria between year 2024 & 2025”.