Renewables
Gombe community gets power after 17 years via solar mini-grid
The Federal Government has restored electricity to Tallasse in Gombe State after 17 years through a newly commissioned solar mini-grid project.
Key points
- A 1MW solar mini-grid with a 2.4MWh battery storage system was commissioned in Tallasse, serving 6,028 connections.
- The project includes productive-use facilities such as rice milling, groundnut oil processing, flour grinding and electric tricycles.
- A separate network of four interconnected solar mini-grids totaling 16MW was also initiated across Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo.
What happened
The Federal Government has ended 17 years of power outages in Tallasse, Gombe State, by launching a 1MW solar mini-grid backed by a 2.4MWh battery energy storage system, according to The Whistler. Delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the Gombe State Government and private developers, the installation currently provides electricity to 6,028 connections.
In addition to household supply, the project integrates productive-use infrastructure, featuring electric-powered groundnut oil processing, rice milling, flour grinding and electric tricycles. Officials also flagged off a 16MW network comprising four interconnected solar mini-grids designed to serve Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo communities.
Why it matters
Speaking at the commissioning, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe stated that the initiative forms part of broader renewable energy expansions across several states. According to The Whistler, the minister emphasized that the true value of the infrastructure lies in its ability to improve local livelihoods, enhance agricultural processing close to source, and reduce reliance on expensive self-generation.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya noted that the intervention would significantly strengthen the local economy of Balanga. Meanwhile, REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abba Aliyu explained that the agency is shifting its focus toward measuring tangible economic outcomes rather than merely counting connections and installed capacity.
What comes next
Project stakeholders have urged local residents to protect the energy installations against vandalism to guarantee uninterrupted service. As the newly launched mini-grids and associated agricultural facilities become fully operational, authorities expect them to bolster public services, attract further commercial activities and drive sustainable prosperity across the benefiting communities.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
27.8% of electricity in the world was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
