The Rural Electrification Agency has unveiled a 100-kilowatt-peak solar mini-grid in Damau village, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, providing clean electricity and a stable water supply to over 2,500 residents of the rural community.

The project, delivered through the Federal Government’s capital subvention, is part of the REA’s ongoing efforts to expand sustainable energy access and drive socio-economic growth in underserved communities across Nigeria.

In a statement, REA said the Damau facility is among 39 new mini-grids being added to Nigeria’s clean energy assets under the agency’s 2024 capital projects, which are currently being rounded off.

The agency stated that the impact of the intervention is already being felt across the community. The 100 kWp mini-grid is reportedly powering homes, small businesses, and public infrastructure, while also delivering a critical social service through the electrification of a solar-powered submersible borehole with adequate storage capacity.

The borehole, it was learnt, now provides clean and potable water to residents, significantly easing water scarcity in the community. The intervention has reduced the burden on women and children who previously travelled long distances in search of water, ensuring that water is now available consistently, safely and sustainably, according to the statement.

In recent years, the REA has adopted a more impact-driven deployment strategy under the Federal Government’s capital projects, prioritising renewable energy solutions and productive-use anchor loads to deepen socio-economic benefits beyond conventional grid extension projects. This approach, the agency said, has enabled it to optimise public funding while delivering economically viable and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Speaking at the project unveiling, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr Abba Aliyu, said the project underscored a shift in the agency’s rural electrification strategy.

“The Damau project reflects the agency’s evolving approach to rural electrification, one that deliberately integrates energy access with social infrastructure and community needs, rather than deploying power in isolation,” Aliyu said.

He added that “the ongoing energy access scale-up effort of the Federal Government is a clear example of how decentralised renewable energy can transform rural communities.”

Aliyu also emphasised the role of state governments in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition, commending the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his continued support for REA projects designed to address community priorities.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Technical Services, at the REA, Engr Umar Abdullahi, disclosed that the agency had recently unveiled harmonised technical standards and specifications to guide the sustainable deployment of off-grid energy infrastructure nationwide.

According to him, the Damau project demonstrates the agency’s technical rigour and focus on long-term sustainability.

“The Damau mini-grid reflects our technical commitment to delivering reliable, fit-for-purpose renewable energy infrastructure that responds directly to community needs. By integrating electricity with essential services like water supply, we are ensuring that power access translates into real social impact, sustainability, and a clear pathway for future expansion,” Umar said.

The project was delivered through close engagement with community leaders and political representatives, a process the agency said reinforces inclusive planning, local ownership and accountability while strengthening community buy-in for long-term sustainability.

“Importantly, the Damau mini-grid presents a strong case for future expansion. Early demand signals from households, commercial users, and productive enterprises indicate growing energy needs, positioning the community as a viable candidate for scale-up beyond 100 kWp. The REA has acknowledged this potential and continues to assess pathways for expanding capacity in line with demand growth, sustainability considerations, and available funding windows,” the statement concluded.