Gombe State Launches 620KW Hybrid Power Project to Boost Rural Electrification

Strategic Insights -

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, marked a significant milestone in the state's journey towards energy security and industrial development with the launch of a 620KW small hydropower-solar PV hybrid system. The project, funded by the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, and the Federal Government, aims to deliver clean and reliable electricity to communities around the Balanga Dam. The hybrid system is expected to stimulate local enterprise, improve living standards, and contribute to national goals for green industrialization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 620KW hybrid power project combines small hydropower and solar photovoltaic technologies to deliver clean and reliable electricity to rural communities in Balanga Local Government Area.
  • The project is funded by the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, and the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
  • The project is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
  • The hybrid system is expected to stimulate local enterprise, improve living standards, and contribute to national goals for green industrialization.
  • REA is scheduled to commence the solar PV component within two weeks, while UNIDO will complete the small hydropower component by January 2026.
  • The project has the potential to boost agricultural productivity and drive economic development in the state.
  • Gombe State is the first state in the country to benefit from the Federal Government's $750 million rural electrification package.
  • The project is seen as a model for clean energy deployment in rural Nigeria and is expected to drive sustainable development, boost local economies, and solidify Gombe State's standing as a model of innovation and resilience in Nigeria's energy transition.
  • The Governor has urged the host community to take full ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.
  • The Bala Waja has hailed the launch as historic and pledged the chiefdom's full support in safeguarding the project.

Statistics:

  • 620KW: The capacity of the small hydropower-solar PV hybrid system launched in Balanga Local Government Area.
  • $750 million: The amount allocated by the Federal Government for rural electrification.
  • 2 weeks: The timeline for REA to commence the solar PV component of the project.
  • January 2026: The estimated completion date for the small hydropower component of the project by UNIDO.
  • 620 households: Expected to be electrified through the project (Source: Global Environment Facility).

Sources:

  • Governor Inuwa Yahaya's speech on the launch of the hybrid power project.
  • Statement by Jack A. Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity (Deputy Governor's Office).
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF) representative's comments on the project.
  • UNIDO Regional Director, Amb. Philbert Johnson's statement on the project's potential to boost agricultural productivity and drive economic development.
  • Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Saidu Muhammed Fawu's remarks on the project's expected impact on sustainable development.
  • Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga's comments on the Governor's commitment to the project's realization.
  • Bala Waja, HRH Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed's statement on the significance of the project for the chiefdom.