EU and UNIDO Enhance Renewable Energy in Gombe State

The European Union and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) are working to enhance Nigeria's renewable energy capacity, focusing on the 620kW Balanga Dam Small Hydropower Project in Gombe State. On Monday, a capacity-building workshop was organized by UNIDO, with EU funding, to empower policymakers, project developers, financial institutions, and stakeholders in developing Small Hydropower projects.

The workshop coincided with the fourth meeting of the project steering committee, where participants discussed the potential of small hydropower to increase electricity access and support rural development. Philbert Johnson, UNIDO Representative and Sub-Regional Director, highlighted Nigeria's hydropower potential of 24,000 megawatts, with 3,500MW from small hydropower, while noting that electricity access is below 60%.

The project is implemented in collaboration with various federal ministries and state governments. Dr. Manassah Jatau, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, affirmed the state's commitment to support the project, emphasizing its importance for clean electricity generation and economic transformation.