High-level delegations from various energy sectors from Ghana are on a 3-day tour visit to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The first leg of the study tour took place in Ghana, which representatives from Rural Electrification Agency and other government Agencies actively participated.
The event kicked off on the 16th of October 2018, which is the second leg of the African Peer-to-Peer Study Tour under the Banner of Africa Low Emission Development Strategies Partnership (AFLP) with the purpose to interface between Nigeria and Ghana to strengthen the collaboration between the two countries for mutual benefits.
The Director for planning Engr. Sam Chundusu, welcomed the entourage and began the meeting by giving an overview of REA as well as highlighting REA’s objective to provide access to electricity for those in unserved and underserved communities.
The key takeaway from the various presentations by GIZ and REA staff were, ensure that “policy provides balance between private sector interests and incentivization of the private sector because policy rarely translates into concrete results, but it is a very valuable step” -Temitope Udo-Affia (GIZ).
Mr. Kenneth Appiah the Chief Programme Officer for Renewable Energy in Ghana, raised an important question asking what is the motivating factor behind Nigeria wanting to go into solar mini grid? Taking into consideration the fact that Nigeria is a major oil producing and fuel generation country.
To answer his question, Dr. Abdulsallam Yusuf, Head of Renewable Department NERC explained that there is a need for alternative source of energy for cheaper rates. The option of solar (energy from the sun that is available everywhere versus the option of diesel that is not available everywhere. When you take into consideration, the logistics of the diesel to the power the plant and fluctuation of prices, solar mini grid approach is a faster approach, which will help the federal government fast track the provision of electricity in rural areas. Finally, the cost of the federal government sourcing for funds and laying pipes is higher than the option for the grid to be implemented versus having the private sector involved and invested.
The third day of the event was a site visitation to the Kigbe Solar mini grid by Havenhill Synergy the delegation was very impressed with the quality of the entire network of the grid, from the solar generation to the distribution and access points. The community members were ecstatic and some described their homes as “small London” because of the access to electricity. Small business owners such as provisions stores, barbing shops and tailoring shops have been able to meet up with time of delivery and expectation of their customers. The provisions storeowner had two refrigerators (one freezer and one fridge), which made his drinks cold and more enjoyable for his customers.
Finally, to end the 3-day tour, the visitors were hosted to a farewell dinner and expressed their gratitude for the warm hosting. The Ghana entourages were very impressed with all they saw and definitely learned some lessons that they will be taking home with them from Nigeria. The team stated that in comparism to other countries, the quality and standard of Nigeria’s off grid implementation is exceptional and they look forward to collaborating with REA in the future
Kindly click here to see photographs from event