The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria has embarked on a significant initiative to electrify rural areas through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with five private developers. Under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, these developers aim to collectively deliver 1,265 MW of distributed renewable energy capacity across the country.
In a landmark event for the DARES programme, REA's Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized the strategic importance of the MoU in advancing the Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) model. This model enables developers to operate as utility companies, attracting investments to deploy minigrids and other renewable energy solutions.
“This MoU demonstrates our commitment to rolling out the RESCOs model,” stated Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
The five companies involved have committed to developing specific capacities under the initiative:
- A4&T Power Solutions: 315 MW
- Privida Power: 200 MW
- Skipper Nigeria Ltd: 250 MW
- Euxwell Nigeria Ltd: 250 MW
- Havenhill: 250 MW
These projects will include interconnected minigrids, isolated minigrids, and commercial and industrial (C&I) systems, targeting both weak grid and off-grid locations across Nigeria. The partnership aims not only to increase energy access but also to introduce new energy service models such as virtual power plants (VPPs), promote energy-efficient appliances and devices, and offer value-added services like e-mobility, agricultural processing, cold storage, and e-cooking.
