Nigeria rural solar mini-grid expansion

The Nigerian Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, is commissioning solar mini-grid projects to expand electricity access in rural communities.

In Kwara State, a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system was commissioned in the Oke-Oyi community. Supported by international partners including the European Union and GIZ, the project provides continuous power to approximately 13,000 residents and has facilitated the growth of local businesses such as grain mills and welding shops.

In Gombe State, a 1-megawatt solar mini-grid with a 2.4-megawatt battery energy storage system was commissioned in the Talasse community, providing electricity to over 6,000 households and businesses after 17 years without a national grid connection. This project integrates productive-use equipment, including electric rice mills, groundnut oil processing plants, and electric tricycles. Additionally, construction has commenced on a 16-megawatt network of four interconnected mini-grids serving the Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo, and Kaltungo communities.

Expansion has also moved into Oyo State, where the government has begun developing 17.7MW of interconnected mini-grid projects in Ibadan. Targeting five communities—Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa, and Sooko-Elega—the initiative includes a 17.74MWh battery energy storage system. The project aims to provide at least 20 hours of daily electricity to reduce business dependence on petrol and diesel generators for manufacturers, traders, and artisans.