Nigeria's REA targets 17.5 million new electricity connections in 3 years
Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is accelerating renewable energy deployment to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians within three years. The $750 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program will catalyze $1.1 billion in private investment, positioning renewable energy as the primary alternative power source due to its cost efficiency and sustainability. Key initiatives include deploying 1,350 mini-grids (250 interconnected), becoming a solar-PV exporter to Ghana, and mapping 153,000 communities to deploy tailored solutions like grid extension, mini-grids, or solar home systems. The agency prioritizes solar for its speed (3-6 months vs years for thermal/hydro) and suitability for Nigeria's climate. Mini-grids incorporate 100% metering, SCADA monitoring, and community ownership via Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Societies (REUCS). Interconnected mini-grids (50 planned, 280MW) will stabilize the national grid once net metering is implemented. Sector-specific projects include 100MW in education (e.g., University of Maiduguri) and 100 containerized mini-grids in health facilities.