FG Inaugurates 100KWP Solar Mini-grid In Benue

As part of continuing efforts by the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration to provide improved electricity to underserved and unserved areas in the country, the federal government on Saturday, commissioned a 100KWP solar mini-grid at Atekombo Community in Ushongo local government area of Benue State.

Speaking, the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, who inaugurated the project on behalf of the President said that the project was one of the many implemented under the Renewable Energy Micro-Utility Programme (REMU) of the Federal Ministry of Power.

Jedy-Agba who said that the power plant was designed to supply 24/7 electricity to 136 households, 14 commercial shops, amongst others, added that, during the construction phase, it created not fewer than 45 direct jobs for the locals.

Continuing, the Minister explained that the mini-grid is made-up of 120KVA/360V Hybrid inbuilt charge controller, 100KWp solar PV array, 180/2V/1000Ah (360kWh)GFM Green Power Tubular battery bank as well as a 100KVA Soundproof Diesel Generator as a redundant back-up.

According to him, "the philosophy behind the project is to utilize the widely distributed solar resources at remote areas for provision of sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable power supply to rural and remote areas".

While noting that the plant was built with capacity for possible connection to the grid in the future, he explained that the scope includes more than 14km Township Distribution Network (TDN) and service connections as well as installation of 160 smart meters and local electronic vending system.

He reiterated the commitment of the Buhari's administration to continue to deploy renewable energy solutions to bridge electricity gap in the country. 

On his part, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom who was represented in the event by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Gabriel Tirlumun Ngitse commended the federal government for the project even as he appealed for more of such projects in the state. 

Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power and the Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial district, Gabriel Suswam said that he was delighted that finally, Atekombo community which was in darkness for many years will now enjoy steady power supply.

Suswam who said the project was one of his constituency projects charged the community to take ownership of the project and protect it against vandals. 

While warning against politicization of the project, he said that it's a public and not a political party project therefore, nobody or household should be denied access base on party affiliation. 

In his words : "I'm happy with this project because I personally nominated it as one of my key constituency projects. This project is for the use of the community and not just PDP or APC members. I nominated two and both are completed and functioning. Initially, we wanted to commission the two but the linking bridge to the community where the second one is situated is bad and under reconstruction, so, we'll commission only this one today".