New Mini-Grid Rules to Enhance Nigeria's Renewable Energy

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released new mini-grid regulations aimed at boosting the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), described the regulations as a historic turning point that will facilitate large-scale project delivery.

Following two years of advocacy, the new rules increase the capacity threshold for isolated mini-grids from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts and for interconnected mini-grids from 5 megawatts to 10 megawatts. This change is expected to unlock significant opportunities for millions of Nigerians living without reliable power.

The regulations also introduce a single permit process, eliminating the previously complex dual licensing system, and ensure that projects can deliver power without unnecessary delays. Dr. Aliyu commended NERC Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni for the collaborative effort in developing these regulations, which include provisions for environmental compliance and specific design requirements for solar PV battery systems.