Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday performed the groundbreaking for a 1.5MW interconnected mini-grid project in Pankshin, Plateau State.
It followed the recently inaugurated 50kW Access to Markets and Agriculture (AMP) Solar Mini-Grid in Namu Community in the state and series of groundbreaking event held recently in Kogi (20MW), Kebbi (3.5MW), Adamawa (27MW) and Rivers states (12MW).
Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu, emphasised that the Pankshin facility is part of a larger national rollout involving 48 interconnected mini-grids across the country.
He noted that the project aims to improve power quality, reduce technical losses, and provide reliable electricity to drive local agro-processing, healthcare, and commercial enterprise.
Aliyu also praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for creating a favorable environment for private power investments.
He said that 10 additional mini-grids under the DARES Programme are currently under construction in Langtang South, Qua’an Pan, Shendam, Mikang, Wase, Kanke, Kanam, Mangu, and other benefiting local government areas in the state.
On the importance of the project, Aliyu noted that interconnected mini-grids will strengthen existing distribution infrastructure, reduce network constraints, improve power quality, lower technical losses, and provide additional capacity exactly where it is needed.
He added that the project will also create opportunities for economic growth by ensuring that electricity becomes a tool for production rather than simply consumption.