In Nigeria, tens of millions of people still lack access to electricity, primarily in rural and peri-urban areas. Decentralized solar power enables them to benefit from reliable, clean, and cost-effective electricity.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria and Husk Power Systems (Husk) will collaborate to deploy up to 250 MW of decentralized renewable energy projects.
Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding on May 22 to support the federal government’s objectives regarding energy access, energy transition, and energy security.
The partnership will focus on a series of projects in rural and peri-urban areas, including electricity production and distribution through interconnected mini-grids and isolated mini-grids.
Projects will also involve rooftop solar energy for commercial and industrial purposes, productive energy use, as well as the sale and financing of electrical appliances.
“By joining forces with Husk Power, we not only achieve our ambitious goals for renewable energy deployment but also establish a model that can inspire other companies worldwide,” said Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA.
In this regard, the REA director announced on May 21 during a forum in Lagos on rural electricity access that the federal government approved the $750 million DARES project funded by the World Bank.