Abuja: The Delta Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand electricity access in underserved communities and boost renewable energy adoption.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agreement was signed in Abuja during the REA State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with Delta, themed ‘Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access’. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, representing the state, reiterated Delta’s commitment to collaborate with the agency on meaningful energy initiatives.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the significance of these programmes as tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation. He highlighted the importance of renewable energy in enhancing productivity, attracting investments, and improving the quality of life in underserved communities.
The governor outlined that the state aims to accelerate energy solution delivery in line with its Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2027) and MORE Agenda. He referenced the International Energy Agency’s 2024 report, which indicates that renewables now constitute 90% of global power capacity, reinforcing the global shift towards renewable energy.
Delta has already implemented the State Energy Power Sector Law 2024 to tackle electricity challenges, enhance access, boost investor confidence, and promote sustainable energy development. The state has also established an 8.5-megawatt independent power plant in Asaba, with plans to extend this model to tertiary institutions.
Oborevwori revealed significant investments in rural electrification projects to rehabilitate weak networks, extend coverage to unserved communities, and deploy solar mini-grids, solar farms, and hybrid systems in rural and coastal areas. The initiative aims to increase energy access for both urban and rural communities through renewable solutions.
Commending the World Bank, REA, renewable energy service providers, and investors for their support, the governor pledged Delta’s readiness to collaborate on viable projects. REA’s Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, projected that off-grid electrification in Delta could attract $158 million in investments, contribute $2.9 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP, and create over 31,000 jobs in the state.
Mr Aliyu stated that REA had identified 471 potential mini-grid sites in Delta, with Ndokwa East Local Government Area accounting for 83 locations. These sites have the potential to power over 386,000 people and 120,000 buildings across the state, making Delta an attractive destination for mini-grid investments.
Similarly, Mr Frank Nwaebo, Director of Renewable Energy at the Delta Ministry of Energy, highlighted the state’s strong solar potential, with an annual average solar radiance of 4.53 kilowatts per hour, the highest in the South-South region. He stressed the urgency of diversifying energy sources due to rising fossil fuel prices and outlined Delta’s Renewable Energy Policy Roadmap (2023-2028) as a guide for transitioning to clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
