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SEDC, REA Partner to End Power Outages in South East Communities with Renewable Energy

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has finalized plans with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand power supply to rural communities across the Southeast, utilizing the National Renewable Energy Project established under Section 127 of the 2023 Electricity Act. The announcement was made on Friday following a strategic meeting between the Managing Director/CEO of SEDC, Mark Okoye, and the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu. Both agencies agreed to collaborate on extending electricity to underserved and unserved areas of the Southeast in a cost-effective manner, ensuring sustainable returns through appropriate tariffs designed to support the region’s social, industrial, and agricultural development. A key focus of the discussions was the deployment of renewable energy solutions, particularly Solar Mini-Grid projects, to power thousands of homes, especially in remote areas. Okoye emphasized the urgent need to attract private sector investment and engage key stakeholders to align with the Federal Government’s renewable energy drive. He also highlighted the significant power deficit in the Southeast, which continues to hinder the region’s economic growth and industrialization. Okoye urged the REA to support SEDC’s renewable energy initiatives, particularly those aimed at powering critical infrastructure projects set to launch soon. “Our discussions centered around deploying renewable energy solutions in unserved and underserved communities across the Southeast. We also explored how the REA can back alternative energy solutions for upcoming key infrastructure projects,” Okoye said. He reaffirmed the SEDC’s commitment to working with the REA to address the electricity shortages that are impeding the region’s development. In response, Abba Aliyu assured Okoye that the Southeast would fully benefit from the Federal Government’s energy initiatives. He reiterated the REA’s commitment to working closely with the SEDC to achieve its electrification goals. Aliyu also outlined several major projects under the REA, including the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), and several other initiatives aimed at electrifying rural and underserved communities to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

36 Govs Sign MoU With Energy China To Drive Electricity Reform

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

In a strategic move to enhance energy development at the sub-national level, Nigerian governors on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Energy China, a major Chinese firm renowned for its work in renewable energy and gas production. The agreement, which aims to deepen cooperation on clean energy, was formalized during a high-level meeting involving key stakeholders from Nigeria and China. Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening energy governance, enhancing energy access, and fostering sustainable development across the states. Governor Yahaya highlighted the significance of the recently passed Electricity Act of 2023, describing it as a “pivotal moment” in Nigeria’s energy journey. He noted that the legislation has opened up opportunities for decentralized power solutions, encouraged private sector investment, and empowered states to design their own energy markets. However, he also acknowledged persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, and financing gaps. Yahaya stressed that the MoU with Energy China presents an opportunity to address these issues through collaboration, innovation, and international support. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, also spoke at the event, aligning the partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He explained that the MoU covers key areas including the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure—solar, wind, and hydro—as well as the establishment of a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre. The center will focus on technology transfer, innovation, and capacity-building. Nnaji noted that the initiative is designed to improve off-grid energy access, generate jobs, attract investment, and advance Nigeria’s climate commitments. Dr. Song Liang, Chairman of the China Energy Commission, reaffirmed China’s commitment to fully implementing the terms of the MoU. He emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing and prioritizing renewable energy development, particularly in areas such as energy storage and green technology. Liang described the partnership as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between Nigeria and China in the energy sector. His sentiments were echoed by the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, who outlined the Forum’s ongoing support for states as they implement the Electricity Act. Dr. Shittu noted that the NGF has established a Power Desk and a Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy across all 36 states to coordinate energy reforms and promote best practices. He reaffirmed the NGF’s commitment to providing technical support, facilitating partnerships, and helping states navigate the responsibilities placed on them by the new electricity law. “There is no doubt that this relationship with the China Energy International Group will significantly accelerate energy access in the country,” he said. “The NGF stands ready to support its successful implementation.”