REA signs MoU with NABDA for cleaner, improved power in rural communities
Solomon Ezeme
In line with the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) plans to explore innovative approach in scaling up service delivery, and sustainable power supply, especially, to rural areas in Nigeria, it has on Sunday signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), in Abuja.
The MoU is to help foster optimal and sustainable electricity supply, especially off-grid solutions to rural communities through the deployment of advanced hybrid renewable energy systems by the NABDA.
Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, MD/CEO of REA and Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, DG/CEO of NABDA, together with some top officials of both agencies, were present during the signing of the MoU at the Abuja office of the NABDA, on Sunday.
Through the signed agreement, the REA will be making use of biomass system in the execution of some of its projects via NABDA’s BEGS Digester Series.
Both agencies expressed optimism in the possibilities and opportunities the application of modern hybrid technology presents in terms of improvement in rural electrification.
Engr. Salihijo while speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the need for optimal utilisation of the technology, as he also noted that his agency would test the hybrid systems before deploying them for power generation in rural communities.
“Predominantly, now we use solar technology but we genuinely believe there are other technologies that would be viable in providing rural electrification,’’ he said.
Also, NABDA Boss, Prof. Mustapha, stated that the agreement will help promote good health and cleaner environment, especially in rural areas.
“This is a project that started a long time ago and has reached a conclusion. It will enhance cleaner environment and by so doing upgrade the health status of the people,’’ he said.
