The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Tuesday performed the groundbreaking for a 1.5MW Interconnected Mini-Grid project in Pankshin, Plateau State.
The project is billed to boost electricity access in the area.
The development comes weeks after REA commissioned a 50kW Access to Markets and Agriculture, AMP, Solar Mini-Grid in Namu Community in the same state.
REA has also performed same groundbreaking ceremonies recently in Kogi, 20MW; Kebbi, 3.5MW; Adamawa, 27MW; and Rivers, 12MW.
Speaking at the ceremony in Plateau state, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr Abba Aliyu emphasized that the Pankshin facility is part of a larger national rollout involving 48 interconnected mini-grids across the country.
According to him, the project aims to improve power quality, reduce technical losses, and provide reliable electricity to drive local agro-processing, healthcare, and commercial enterprise.
He also lauded Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for creating a favorable environment for private power investments.
According to him, 10 more 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.
Speaking on the import 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.