Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Husk Power Systems to deploy up to 250 MW of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) projects. This collaboration aims to support the Nigerian government’s energy access, energy transition, and energy security targets through a comprehensive range of rural and peri-urban projects. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this initiative was signed recently, marking a significant step forward in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape.

The partnership will focus on various DRE projects, including both inter-connected and isolated minigrids, rooftop commercial and industrial (C&I) solar, and the productive use of energy (PUE). It also includes appliance sales and financing to facilitate mass adoption of energy-efficient appliances. This initiative supports the $750 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, funded by the World Bank and administered by REA, which is set to launch later in 2024.

In addition to new clean energy infrastructure, the agreement outlines plans for innovative models like virtual power plants (VPPs) and value-added community services, including e-mobility, agricultural processing, cold storage, and clean cooking. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, emphasized the historic nature of this partnership, which aims to deliver clean and reliable electricity to all corners of Nigeria and serve as an inspiring model for other countries. Manoj Sinha, co-founder and CEO of Husk Power Systems, highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving universal electrification and enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria.

Source: pv-magazine-india.com