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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Delta, REA plan solar power projects for healthcare centres

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Delta State, Nigeria, is in talks with the Rural Electrification Agency to install large-scale solar power projects at healthcare centers and public institutions.
  • The initiative aims to increase access to clean and reliable electricity in these facilities.
  • Discussions involve a proposed collaboration agreement, with the state emphasizing the need to protect its interests and ensure accountability in partnerships.

The Delta State government in Nigeria is actively pursuing discussions with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to implement significant solar power projects. The initiative targets primary healthcare centers and other public institutions across the state, aiming to provide them with clean and dependable electricity.

the initiative is expected to expand access to clean and reliable electricity in the public institutions

— Mr. Michael AnokaThe State Commissioner for Energy described the expected outcome of the solar power project initiative.

Mr. Michael Anoka, the State Commissioner for Energy, announced the ongoing strategic meetings in Asaba. He highlighted that the collaboration is expected to "expand access to clean and reliable electricity in the public institutions." The discussions have centered on a proposed Collaboration Agreement for deploying renewable energy infrastructure under the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Programme.

every agreement must adequately protect the interests of the State and its people.

— Mr. Michael AnokaThe State Commissioner for Energy emphasized the importance of safeguarding the state's interests in energy partnerships.

While Delta State expresses readiness to partner with federal and development agencies, Commissioner Anoka stressed that "every agreement must adequately protect the interests of the State and its people." He affirmed the state's welcome for investments that can transform electricity access in critical public facilities, emphasizing that "due diligence, accountability and value for money would remain central to every partnership." The renewable energy initiative is seen as a complement to the state's existing efforts to improve energy access and promote clean energy adoption.

Delta State welcomed strategic investments capable of transforming electricity access in critical public institutions.

— Mr. Michael AnokaThe Commissioner stated the state's openness to investments that improve electricity access in vital public facilities.

Officials from the Ministry of Justice and REA representatives have been reviewing the draft agreement. Key areas under scrutiny include the state's long-term financial obligations, operational responsibilities, payment guarantees, and other contractual commitments. The REA outlined the financing structure, which involves the Federal Government and private developers, with the state's role primarily focused on agreed service payments for operation and maintenance under an Energy-as-a-Service model. The REA has requested electricity consumption data from beneficiary institutions to determine appropriate service charges.

due diligence, accountability and value for money would remain central to every partnership entered into by the state.

— Mr. Michael AnokaThe Commissioner outlined the core principles guiding the state's partnerships for energy projects.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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