Federal Government Launches 16MW Solar Project in Gombe

The federal government, via the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has commenced the construction of a 16MW network of four interconnected solar mini-grids in Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo, and Kaltungo communities in Gombe State. This initiative also includes the commissioning of a 1MW solar mini-grid in Tallasse, Balanga Local Government Area, which ends a 17-year electricity blackout.

The new mini-grid serves 6,028 connections and supports electric-powered facilities such as groundnut oil processing, rice milling, and flour grinding. Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe stated that these projects align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enhance renewable energy access, improve livelihoods, and stimulate local economies.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the collaboration between state and federal governments, while REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu noted a shift in focus towards assessing economic benefits rather than just connections. The projects are part of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.