South Korea completes Nigeria’s integrated mini-grid energy management system control center
…breaks ground on 1.6MW solar mini-grid project in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Abuja
Oredola Adeola
Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) has established Nigeria’s first integrated mini-grid energy management system control center and conducted the groundbreaking of 900kWp solar mini-grid at Rubochi Community, Kuje Area Council, and 100kWp at Ikwa Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, in its Phase I of the Korean Energy Project in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement obtained by EnergyDay on Wednesday after the commissioning of the energy management system control center at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) corporate headquarters in Abuja.
EnergyDay gathered that the projects were carried out by the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and its implementing consortium partners (Iljin Electric, S&D Powernics, Korea Smart Grid Association, and Technology University of Korea) under Phase I of the Korean Energy Project in Nigeria to bring clean and reliable electricity to underserved communities, through a deal signed with the Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Honourable Minister of Power, represented by Engr. Abubakar Dapshima, Director of Renewables and Rural Access at the Ministry of Power stated that the collaborations such as these will help bridge the gap between the served and the unserved.
He said, “The Federal Ministry of Power believes that these projects will be delivered on time and with the best standard for our people.”
His Excellency, Kim Young-Chae, Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, by the First Secretary (Economics) Choi Jung Won, in his remark stated that the Republic of South Korea has committed the Official Development Assistance fund to support the Nigerian power sector, particularly on the development of solar mini-grids.
He said, “We understand the role of solar power generation on energy access and climate resilience. Rural electrification requires unique granular data which is why the Government of Korea is also undertaking the Integrated Energy Management System to enable efficient planning and design concepts.
“The EMS can host all mini-grids data and hence will strengthen the position of REA on a central coordination role. The Korean Government is also seeking to strengthen and promote its cooperation with the Nigerian Government for the prosperity of both nations,” the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria said.
Engr. Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director/CEO of REA, stated that the milestone achieved under the Korean Energy Project is a testament to our resolve to collaborate with development partners in delivering our mandate.
He said, “The REA is always thrilled with the deployment of sustainable electricity in our communities. The MoU for this project was signed last year and we are glad the project has reached the point of commissioning this state-of-the-art Energy Management System Control Center and subsequent groundbreaking of the 900kWp interconnected solar mini-grid at Rubochi community as well as 100kWp at Ikwa.
The REA MD therefore expressed optimism that the two projects will be completed in Quarter 1, 2024 and the remaining before the year ends.
Further checks by EnergyDay showed that apart from the integrated energy management system capable of hosting all mini-grids in the country, the Korean Energy Project seeks to establish four (4) standalone mini-grids (total capacities 1.6 MWp & 3.0 MWh) in 4 (four) unelectrified areas around the Federal Capital Territories (FCT) as well as capacity building to technical skills.
The other auxiliary productive use equipment initiated by the Korean Energy Project includes the establishment of a smart metering factory, energy-efficient lighting and water systems, etc.
EnergyDay gathered that the Korean Energy Project seeks to establish all the projects through an In-Kind-Grant to the Nigerian Government.
