Rural Electrification Agency commissioned Kwande Mini-Grid Powers in Plateau State

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has launched a 160kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Kwande, a community in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The project is part of a larger national effort to expand access to clean, reliable energy in rural areas.

The Kwande mini-grid, funded under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS), received backing from a €11 million grant from the European Union and the German government, with over 60% of funding contributed by these international partners.

At the commissioning event, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu, represented by Executive Director Doris Ugoh, emphasized that Kwande’s new energy infrastructure will transform lives by providing electricity to homes, businesses, and public institutions. The mini-grid is designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), allowing local businesses to grow and thrive.

Aliyu also highlighted the environmental impact of the project, noting that the Kwande mini-grid will help cut 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually, an achievement equivalent to removing 130 cars from the road or planting 15,000 trees each year.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Commissioner for Tourism Cornelius Doeyok, welcomed the project, emphasizing the state’s commitment to rural electrification through a N1.2 billion counterpart funding initiative. The governor stressed that electricity access is vital for local healthcare services, enabling clinics to store essential medicines and enhance patient care.

German Ambassador Karin Jansin praised the project’s impact, reaffirming Germany’s support for Nigeria’s renewable energy transition and the role of sustainable power in fostering economic development.

For Kwande residents, this marks a historic moment—the first time they have access to electricity. Local representative Hubert Isa spoke on behalf of the community, expressing appreciation and calling the project a symbol of development and hope.

The Kwande mini-grid is part of a broader initiative by the Nigerian government to provide clean electricity to 3,700 communities nationwide, with 100 communities targeted per state in the first phase. The program aims to deploy over 92MW of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving quality of life for thousands of Nigerians.