Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has inaugurated a 91kWp solar powered mini-grid in Delta state, with the assurance that the government will continue to partner private initiatives in the provisions of clean energy across the Niger Delta region and the country.
The project was executed by SAF-AGA Renewable Energy Limited in Okpokunou community in Burutu Local Government area of Delta State, to address the pressing challenges of electricity access in the community which had been deprived of electricity in the past 12 years.
Momoh said the federal government, aside its foreign partners in the provisions of clean and renewable energy, will collaborate with private initiatives in bringing development to the rural communities in the region.
“Let me say in clear terms that these are the kind of projects that are expected in our various communities, not only in the Niger Delta region but across the country because we are going towards renewable, green and clean energy the world over”, he said.
The minister expressed regret that though Okpokunou community was connected to the national grid, it was not energised for the past 12 years, but was happy that with the renewable energy by SAF-AGA Limited, it has now been connected.
“It is heartening to witness initiatives like Okpokunou mini-grid that address this critical needs bringing clean energy and opportunities to communities that had hitherto without electricity supply for so many years.
“I have been told that for the past 12 years, in spite of the fact that this community was connected to the national grid before, for the past 12 years, this community hadn’t electricity supply. I think it’s a very good development that the SAF-AGA Renewable Energy Limited is able to do this for the community”, he said.
Chief Executive Officer of SAF-AGA Renewable Energy Limited, Dr. Godbless Safugha said the Okpokunou mini-grid has a capacity of 91 kWp and a storage system of 170 kWh.
According to him, it is capable of powering 330 households initially which can scale and grow with the community, connecting up to 596 households and a capacity of 230 kWp addressing the community’s energy needs.
He disclosed that the mini-grid was part of a larger initiative with three other neighbouring communities sharing in the benefits of the company’s vision being Ogriagbene, Enekoragha and Esama in Bomadi and Burutu respectively.
Safugha noted that with the successful inauguration of the Okpokunou project, the company expects collaboration with other government agencies to extend the reach of mini-grids to more communities in the region.
“We wish to use this opportunity to call on other government agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Delta State rural electricity board, Bayelsa State Electricity Holding Company limited, other international organisations to join hands with SAF-AGA in our dream to light up the Niger Delta region and beyond,” he stated.
Chairman of Burutu local government, Combolous Ikisa expressed appreciation to the firm for lighting up some communities in his council area.
He said though the project was private driven, the community should protect the facility and establish a good relationship with the firm by ensuring there was no interruption in its operations.
