Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have unveiled the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid in Pankshin Local Government Area.
The project is expected to improve electricity supply, reduce dependence on generators, and stimulate economic activities in the area.
The project, funded by the REA under the Federal Government’s renewable energy programme and implemented by MASK Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), is one of 48 interconnected mini-grid projects being deployed across the country to expand access to clean and sustainable electricity.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Mutfwang described the project as a major milestone in Plateau State’s drive to strengthen its energy sector and create an enabling environment for businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and households.
He said reliable electricity would lower the cost of doing business, enhance productivity and unlock new economic opportunities for residents of Pankshin and neighbouring communities.
“Today, we are flagging off a life-transforming and economy-changing initiative. When this 1.5 megawatts of electricity is delivered, the era of dependence on generators in Pankshin will gradually come to an end, while businesses and industries will flourish once again,” the governor said.
Mutfwang commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Plateau State through strategic investments in renewable energy and infrastructure, noting that the state had emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s $750 million renewable energy programme.
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He also lauded the President for approving the Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Federal Road and the conversion of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, into the Federal University of Education, saying both projects would further accelerate development in the state.
The governor disclosed that about 10 additional interconnected solar mini-grid projects are planned for different parts of Plateau State, adding that the state government is also collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure.
“Our vision is that within the next two years, Plateau State will not only generate sufficient electricity to meet domestic demand but will also become a net exporter of power,” he said.
He further said all statutory approvals, including the Certificate of Occupancy for the project site, had been secured and expressed confidence that the project would be completed before the end of the year.
The governor urged residents, particularly youths, to protect the facility against vandalism.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, described the project as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards universal electricity access through renewable energy.
He commended the Plateau State Government for creating an enabling environment for renewable energy investments, saying the project would not only generate electricity but also modernise the distribution network in Pankshin.
“What we are building here is not just a solar mini-grid. We are rebuilding the electricity distribution network by installing new transformers, rehabilitating existing lines, and providing electricity meters so that consumers will no longer be subjected to estimated billing,” Aliyu said.
According to him, the project includes the installation of more than 10 transformers, rehabilitation and expansion of distribution lines, and comprehensive metering of households to eliminate estimated billing.
Aliyu added that the Federal Government’s $750 million dollar renewable energy programme is expected to attract an additional $1.1 billion in private sector investments for clean energy projects across the country.
Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Dati, described the initiative as the largest solar energy project currently under implementation in Plateau State, saying it would create jobs, improve the business environment and position the state as a leading destination for renewable energy investments.
Technical Lead of MASK Nigeria Limited, Lau Mohammed, said the project comprised a 1.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant, supported by a two-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 600-kilowatt backup generator, modern inverters, transformers and an upgraded electricity distribution network.
He said the facility was designed to provide uninterrupted electricity to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and other public institutions while supporting enterprise development and economic growth.
Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, Amos Felix Benu, described the project as another fulfilled promise by the Mutfwang administration, while former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Pankshin North Constituency, Gabriel Dewan, said it demonstrated the benefits of collaboration between the Federal and Plateau State governments in delivering sustainable development to the people.
