The Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) set to Power four (4) FCT Communities through Renewable Energy
On the 16th of June, 2022 the Federal Government of Nigeria officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) for premium-grade mini-grid projects designed to deliver a total renewable energy capacity of 1.6 MWp and 3.0 MWhr system across 4 main communities in Abuja and environ.
Designed as a holistic and sustainable project, the Official Development Assistance (ODA) project is designed to have the first large scale solar mini-grid in the country. In addition to a state-of-the-art energy management system (EMS) capable of hosting all mini-grids in the country, auxiliary services, such as productive appliances including milling, grain, drying, water systems, lighting and smart metering devices.
Following months of collaborative engagements and technical assessment between the Federal Ministry of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Ministry of Budget and National Planning (BNP) and the KIAT team, the project came into being with an MoU signing, which held at the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Abuja.
Initiated as an in-kind project, the ODA project will be delivered by a consortium of Korean partners with valuable expertise in different technical areas and will ultimately provide clean, safe and renewable energy to Rubochi/Tika, Wako/Kwaita Sabo, Ikwa/Goyan, and Kugbaru communities.
While appreciating the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the project, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the MD/CEO of REA explained that the REA will work in lockstep with the Federal Ministry of Power to form a joint implementation committee for a smooth implementation of the project.
Engr. Ahmad also noted that such multi-national collaborations targeted at optimizing renewable energy in Nigeria will further help to close the energy gap in the nation while improving the system technical standardization and productive use model of energy by beneficiaries.
He also reiterated the high quality of the Korean products and construction materials, adding that with the technology Transfer and project sustainability component of the project, the long-term sustainability of the project has been duly captured from its inception.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning expressed his delight about the project and the possibilities it will present to the beneficiary community members. He also urged the contractors to deliver within the expected 45 months timeline to aid quick utilization of the project.
During a technical presentation on the expected impact of the project, the KIAT’s technical team assured the Nigerian Government of the quality and timely implementation of the project targeted to serve the Nigerian populace.
