Delta Govt., REA Sign MoU To Drive Renewable Energy

The Delta Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to boost renewable energy, and expand electricity acccess to underserved communities.
The MoU was signed in Abuja at the REA State-by –State Roundtable Engagement with Delta with the theme, ’’ Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and inclusive Access.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori emphasised the willingness of the state government to participate in impactful programmes and offered by REA.
“I must emphasise that we view these programmes not only as energy access initiatives, but as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.
“Access to renewable energy is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in communities that have long been upset and underserved.
“Delta is committed to leveraging these programmes to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that align with our medium-term development plan 2024-2027 and the more agenda of Delta.
“We believe that the outcomes of these initiatives will drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery, education, local industries, and job creation across Delta, ‘’ he said.
The governor also said that renewable energy evolution had already begun, adding that Delta would not be left behind.
According to him, Delta has begun, solar, wind, hydro, and biomass are no longer the underdog sources of energy as the International Energy Agency in its 2024 journal reports that renewable energy accounts for 90 per cent of global power capacity.
“On our part, Delta in its bid to key into Federal Government’s Energy Plan that ensures access to electricity, renewable energy means and private sector collaboration, has enacted the Delta State Energy Power Sector Law 2024.
“The policy seeks to address electricity sector challenges, improve electricity access, enhance investors’ confidence, and promote sustainable energy development, ‘’ he said.
Oborevwori said that Delta through strategic planning had established 8.5 megawatts independent power plant in Asaba designed as an embedded power system to feed government establishments.
According to him, plans are also underway to replicate same template in the state tertiary institutions to meet the energy needs of educational facilities.
He said that similarly, the state government had equally committed huge financial resources in rural electrification schemes intended to rehabilitate and reinforce existing dilapidated electricity networks.
“Extend electricity network to rural communities not yet covered or connected to the national grid.
“As encapsulated in our energy policy, Delta is ready to widen its operations in the electricity sector.
“Therefore, we aim for the establishment of solar power mini-grids, solar farm for rural communities, hybrid solar wind systems, or any other renewable energy hybrid system for housing and coastal estates.
“The goal is to accelerate energy assets for on-site and on-the-site communities through deployment of renewable energy solutions in Delta State.”
The governor, however, assured the deployment partners and prospective investors that the state was irrevocably committed to investments in the energy sector.
“We assure prospective investors of our determination to invest in the energy sector.
“We thank the World Bank, the REA, the renewable energy services companies, the energy ecosystem investors, and all other physical stakeholders that are here present for this collaborative opportunity.
“I assure you of our readiness to work closely to identify and develop viable projects that will yield sustainable and far-reaching impacts.
“Once again, I welcome you all and look forward to productive engagements,‘’ he said.