The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed a nationwide energy mapping exercise, identifying over 750,000 communities in need of power. This milestone is expected to unlock targeted power investments in the country.
According to Dr Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the REA, the energy map will guide the agency's interventions, ensuring that electricity is provided to areas that need it most. 'For the first time, we have a comprehensive data on where we should intervene, how we should intervene, and which technology is most suitable for each location,' he said.
The energy map has been instrumental in identifying critical government institutions across three sectors: agriculture, health, and education. In agriculture, the REA has identified production and processing clusters, which are crucial in reducing post-harvest losses. In Plateau State, for instance, a 50-kilowatt system was deployed to provide electricity to rice processors, enabling them to switch from diesel to clean energy.
With the energy map in place, the REA is scaling up its interventions, planning to deploy a five-megawatt system in the same area. This system will power the remaining 37 factories and surrounding communities. Dr Aliyu emphasized that the goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity.
The revised mini-grid regulation has also enabled the REA to undertake larger electricity projects. 'One of the major achievements recorded under this administration is the revised mini-grid regulation,' Dr Aliyu said.
The Africa Mini-Grid programme has been instrumental in providing electricity to rural communities. Last year, the REA deployed a 50-kilowatt system as a pilot project. Today, more than 200 bags of rice processed under the mini-grid are competitive in the market.
The energy map has given the REA a structured national plan to identify the millions of Nigerians without electricity and outline the most effective way to electrify them. 'We know the number of households in each community, whether they are electrified or underserved, and the least-cost technology required for electrification,' Dr Aliyu explained.
The REA's efforts are in line with the federal government's goal of providing electricity to all Nigerians. 'The future is the electrification of everything, which means that whatever you do will depend on electricity, with AI at its centre,' Dr Aliyu said.
'Behind every response generated by AI is a packet of electricity that powers the process. We are already seeing this play out.'
The REA is working to ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity. Under the administration of Mr. President, the agency is providing capital grants to de-risk deployment costs, which has reduced electricity tariffs. According to Dr Aliyu, this approach provides productive energy solutions to support agricultural clusters across Nigeria.
The Africa Mini-Grid programme has been instrumental in providing electricity to rural communities. Last year, the REA deployed a 50-kilowatt system as a pilot project. Today, more than 200 bags of rice processed under the mini-grid are competitive in the market.
The energy map has been instrumental in identifying critical government institutions across three sectors: agriculture, health, and education. In agriculture, the REA has identified production and processing clusters, which are crucial in reducing post-harvest losses.
The REA's efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the economy and daily life of Nigerians. 'Power stimulates economic development and growth, enhances agriculture, improves the quality of health services, and enhances the quality of education,' Dr Aliyu said.