An 80kWp solar mini-grid was recently commissioned in the Oweikorogha community of Bayelsa State, providing clean, reliable electricity to around 2,000 residents. Developed by Ceesolar Energy and funded by All On, the project will power 430 new connections, including homes, businesses, and public institutions.
Solar Mini-Grid Powers Oweikorogha Community
A transformative shift is coming to the Oweikorogha community in Bayelsa State. The recent commissioning of an 80kWp solar mini-grid promises to change the energy landscape for this rural community. Developed by Ceesolar Energy Limited and financed by All On through the Niger Delta Electrification Programme, this project aims to address the energy deficit in the region by providing clean, reliable electricity.
The newly commissioned mini-grid has a capacity of 80kWp, supported by a 60kW inverter system and 120kWh of energy storage. This system is designed to provide reliable electricity to around 2,000 people. The mini-grid will power 430 new connections. This includes 380 residential households, 39 commercial enterprises, five micro-industrial facilities, and six public institutions.
Solar Mini-Grid Powers Oweikorogha Community (Image- Collected)
This mini-grid will make a significant difference in the daily lives of the Oweikorogha residents. With a reliable electricity supply, businesses can grow, students can study more comfortably, and healthcare services can operate more efficiently. The solar mini-grid promises a more sustainable and prosperous future for the entire community.
Bridging the Energy Gap with Solar Mini-Grids
The solar mini-grid in Oweikorogha is the first project launched under All On's Niger Delta Electrification Programme. This initiative was designed to tackle the ongoing electricity challenges in the Niger Delta region. The programme supports local developers like Ceesolar Energy in creating renewable energy solutions for underserved and unserved communities.
The mini-grid is not just an energy solution for Oweikorogha, but also a pilot project for the rest of the Niger Delta. It serves as a model for how clean energy solutions can bring economic opportunities and social improvements to rural areas.
Solar mini-grids like the one in Oweikorogha are key to driving sustainable development in Nigeria’s rural areas. The benefits of these systems go beyond simply providing electricity. Solar mini-grids also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
By shifting from traditional energy sources to renewable solar power, these mini-grids help reduce the community’s reliance on fossil fuels. This reduction in carbon emissions not only helps combat climate change, but also improves the air quality in the community, thereby leading to better health outcomes for residents.
Economic Impact of Solar Mini-Grids
The Oweikorogha solar mini-grid will do more than provide electricity; It will also stimulate economic growth by creating opportunities for businesses and industries in the area. With reliable power, commercial enterprises can expand their operations. Public institutions can offer improved services, and local businesses can thrive in a more stable environment.
Furthermore, this new energy access will support micro-industrial activities in the area, creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship. The mini-grid is expected to have a long-lasting positive impact on the local economy, driving productivity and improving the quality of life for the community.
Towards a More Prosperous Niger Delta
The completion of the Oweikorogha solar mini-grid project has been met with optimism from both All On and Ceesolar Energy. Osagie Okunbor, Chairman of the Board at All On, highlighted the broader impact of the project.
He said, “This mini-grid is more than just a power solution; it represents a new chapter for the Oweikorogha community and a step toward a more electrified and prosperous Niger Delta. We are proud to partner with Ceesolar Energy, whose commitment to bridging the energy gap aligns with our vision of sustainable energy for all.”
Ceesolar Energy — the indigenous renewable energy company behind the project — shares this commitment to energy access. Their CEO, Chibueze Ekeh, stated, “We are excited to have completed the Oweikorogha mini-grid project and are confident that the community will see immediate and long-lasting benefits from reliable, clean energy.”
The Oweikorogha community’s new solar mini-grid is not just an energy project; it is a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life. By harnessing the power of the sun, the people of Oweikorogha now have access to a cleaner and brighter future.