FG Breaks Ground On 16MW Solar Mini-Grid Network In Gombe, Unveils 1MW Power Hub Driving Rural Enterprise

The Federal Government has commenced the development of a 16-megawatt interconnected solar mini-grid network across four communities in Gombe State, while also commissioning a 1MW solar mini-grid and battery storage facility in Tallasse, Balanga Local Government Area.

Implemented through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the Gombe State Government and a private sector partner, the new 16MW project will connect Dukku, Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo communities, providing reliable electricity to households, farms, markets and small businesses.

The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the inauguration of the Tallasse solar mini-grid, which features a 2.4MWh battery energy storage system and currently powers 6,028 connections.

The facility also supports productive-use equipment, including electric rice mills, groundnut oil processing machines, flour grinding systems and electric tricycles aimed at boosting local economic activity.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the projects as a tangible reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that renewable energy investments are expanding across several states nationwide.

According to the minister, the true value of the projects will be reflected in the opportunities they create for rural communities, enabling farmers to process produce locally, traders to preserve perishable goods, artisans to power their tools and young people to build sustainable livelihoods closer to home.

Tegbe said the infrastructure would strengthen public services, reduce reliance on costly self-generation and attract new economic investments, stressing that the Federal Government and its partners remain committed to translating energy access into long-term prosperity. He also urged host communities to safeguard the installations against vandalism.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, hailed the projects as the result of strong collaboration between the state and the Federal Government through the REA.

He noted that combining reliable power with agro-processing and electric mobility solutions would drive economic growth beyond household electrification, particularly in farming communities such as Balanga.

REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abba Aliyu, said the agency is increasingly focusing on the economic impact of electrification rather than simply counting connections and installed capacity.

He explained that the projects integrate battery storage, intelligent monitoring systems, productive-use equipment and sustainable business models to create complete electricity ecosystems capable of supporting long-term development.

The initiatives are being delivered under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Programme as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand energy access through a mix of grid upgrades, mini-grids, embedded generation, solar home systems and dedicated power solutions for universities, markets and agricultural clusters.

The ceremonies drew senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders from Komu, Kaltung and Tallasse, lawmakers, and religious leaders from across Gombe State.