Renewables
Ibadan mini-grid project breaks ground
A new 17.7-megawatt solar hybrid project in Oyo State aims to connect over 22,000 households and businesses.
Key points
- Groundbreaking held for the DARES interconnected mini-grid project in Ibadan.
- Project will deploy 17.7 MWp solar PV and 17.74 MW battery storage.
- Involves collaboration between IBEDC, Paras Energy, and the Rural Electrification Agency.
What happened
According to the Nigerian Tribune, construction has officially begun on a hybrid interconnected mini-grid initiative in Oyo State. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Bishop Phillips Academy School in Ibadan, drawing senior government officials, power sector regulators, and industry executives.
The initiative forms part of the Rural Electrification Agency's Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up programme. It is designed to supply power across five specific community clusters within the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company franchise zone.
Why it matters
Speaking at the event, IBEDC Managing Director Deolu Ijose stated that the scheme offers a practical framework for distribution companies and independent developers to work together. Nigerian Tribune reported that the installation will feature a combined 17.7 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic generation system paired with 17.74 megawatts of battery energy storage.
Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited will supply the generation capacity, which will integrate with existing distribution assets managed by IBEDC. The infrastructure is expected to establish an estimated 22,597 electricity connections, improving supply reliability for residential and commercial users.
What comes next
Project stakeholders have urged local residents and community leaders to safeguard the energy assets against vandalism. Project partners include the World Bank, the Oyo State Government, and the Rural Electrification Agency, with completion anticipated to expand regional distributed-generation capacity.
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.
22.0% of electricity in Nigeria 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.
