REA breaks ground on 1.5MW interconnected mini-grid project in Plateau
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 1.5MW interconnected mini-grid project in Pankshin, Plateau State, marking another milestone in its drive to expand access to reliable electricity across Nigeria.
The ceremony comes on the heels of the recent commissioning of the 50kW Access to Markets and Agriculture (AMP) Solar Mini-Grid in Namu Community, Plateau State, and follows a series of groundbreaking events for interconnected mini-grid projects in Kogi (20MW), Kebbi (3.5MW), Adamawa (27MW), and Rivers (12MW) states.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the Pankshin project forms part of a broader national rollout of 48 interconnected mini-grids designed to strengthen electricity distribution and improve energy access in underserved communities.
According to him, the project will enhance power quality, reduce technical losses, and provide reliable electricity to support agro-processing, healthcare services, and commercial activities, while stimulating local economic development.
Dr. Aliyu also commended Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for creating an enabling environment that has attracted private sector investment in the state’s power sector.
He disclosed that an additional 10 mini-grids under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme are currently under construction across Plateau State, covering Langtang South, Qua’an Pan, Shendam, Mikang, Wase, Kanke, Kanam, Mangu, and other benefiting local government areas.
Highlighting the significance of interconnected mini-grids, Dr. Aliyu explained that the projects are designed to reinforce existing distribution infrastructure, ease network constraints, improve power quality, reduce technical losses, and provide additional capacity where it is most needed.
He added that the initiative will unlock new opportunities for economic growth by making electricity a catalyst for productive activities rather than merely a source of consumption.
