Featured in The energy access issue – 07-2020

Expand and connect

Almost 60% of Nigeria’s population currently has access to electricity. But this breaks down to 78% in cities and urban areas, and just 39% in rural communities. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), established by the government as part of electricity sector reforms in 2005, is tasked with bridging this gap and bringing reliable energy supply to the most remote parts of Nigeria. pv magazine spoke with REA CEO Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad about the organization’s strategy and recent progress, as well as the challenges that remain for rural electrification in Nigeria and the role of PV technology.

By

Mark Hutchins

13 Jul 2020

This 7.1 MW solar hybrid power plant was developed by REA under the World Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project. The project powers a work and training center at Bayero University in Kano. | Image: REA Nigeria

Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, MD/CEO of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency. The organization, which was set up in 2005, aims to expand energy access in unserved and underserved rural communities. Photo: REA Nigeria How is rural electrification progressing in Nigeria? I see REA published a target to reach 60% rural electrification and connect 1.1 million households annually …

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