…delivers clean energy, stable water for over 2,500 residents
Precious Ademisoye
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a 100kWp solar mini-grid in Damau community, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, providing reliable electricity to over 2,500 residents under the Federal Government’s Capital Subvention programme.
The REA made this known in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports.
This according to the REA marks another milestone in the Agency’s mandate to expand sustainable energy access and improve socio-economic growth in underserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.
The agency disclosed that the Damau mini-grid is one of several renewable energy infrastructure projects being deployed through the Agency’s 2024 Capital Projects, currently being rounded up, 39 new mini-grids are being added to the nation’s clean energy assets.
Advisors Reports gathered that the 100kWp facility is already powering households, small businesses, and public infrastructure, while also driving a critical social outcome: the electrification of a solar submersible borehole, complete with sufficient storage, now supplying clean and potable water to the men, women and children of the community.
The community borehole, powered by the mini-grid and designed as part of the Agency’s intervention, has also reduced the burden of water scarcity for women and children who traditionally travel long distances in search of water.
Dr. Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO of REA, speaking on the intervention at the official commissioning of the project noted that “the Damau project reflects the Agency’s evolving
approach to rural electrification, one that deliberately integrates energy access with social
infrastructure and community needs, rather than deploying power in isolation”.
He explained that “the ongoing energy access scale-up effort of the Federal Government is a clear example of how decentralized renewable energy can transform rural communities”.
While emphasizing the central role State Governments must continue to play in nation’s renewable
energy scale-up phase in Nigeria, he commended Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, for his sustained support to the Agency as it continues to design projects that respond directly to the priorities of the people.
Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director, Technical Services at the REA,
hinted on the recent unveiling of the REA’s harmonized technical standards and specifications
which serves as a guide for the sustainable deployment of off-grid energy infrastructure,
nationwide.
He explained that with the Agency’s alignment with the best technical standards, “the Damau mini-grid reflects its technical commitment to delivering reliable, fit-for-purpose renewable energy infrastructure that responds directly to community needs.
“By integrating electricity with essential services like water supply, we are ensuring that power access translates into real social impact, sustainability, and a clear pathway for future expansion.”
REA therefore emphasised that early demand from Damau mini-grid for households, commercial users, and productive enterprises indicate growing energy needs thereby positioning the community as a viable candidate for scale-up, beyond 100kWp.
The REA acknowledged the community’s potential promising to assess pathways for expanding capacity in line with demand growth, sustainability considerations, and available funding windows.
