Rural Electrification Agency launches solar mini-grid projects in Zamfara State

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) launched the development of 37 mini-grid projects in Zamfara State, Nigeria.

These projects provide a combined solar generation capacity of approximately 18.8 megawatts-peak. The initiative includes two interconnected and 35 isolated mini-grids designed to provide power to 125,106 households across the Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe, and Zurmi Local Government Areas. Governor Dauda Lawal and the REA signed a collaboration agreement to solarise public institutions.

The governor stated that the new electricity policy aims to create a structured and investment-friendly market to support agriculture, healthcare, and education. During the event, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe also commissioned two existing solar mini-grids built by the state government. These facilities provide 2.2MW of generation capacity and more than 3MW of battery storage for a hospital and the state government house.

The REA director, Abba Aliyu, said the projects align with a 750 million dollar World Bank-supported programme. This programme aims to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through 1,350 mini-grids and other renewable energy solutions. The agency expects the new connections to potentially reach more than 625,000 people. The event also featured the introduction of electric vehicles and natural gas buses to the region.