BY JACINTA HYCENTH
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has received Huawei testing machinery, marking the start of establishing a world-class Mini-Grid Standardisation and Simulation Centre in Nigeria.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abbas Aliyu, announced the formal handover of the machinery which took place on Friday on his X handle.
He said this initiative resulted from a Memorandum of Understanding between the Rural Electrification Agency and Huawei, signed in September 2024 during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China.
Aliyu described the centre as a strategic cornerstone in REA’s commitment to ensuring that all renewable energy systems deployed across Nigeria are consistent in quality, performance, and durability – setting a gold standard for distributed energy infrastructure nationwide.
He highlighted other key benefits of the center, including serving as a training hub for energy professionals, young engineers, and technical protégés to enhance their skills.
“Beyond equipment core function of simulating diverse environmental conditions to enhance system resilience, the centre will serve as a national training hub—upskilling energy professionals, young engineers, and technical protégés.
“This is a critical step in driving the localisation of the renewable energy value chain, supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, and positioning our country as Africa’s renewable energy hub,” said REA CEO.
This collaboration with Huawei, he said reflects the REA’s steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in shaping Nigeria’s energy future.
In his remarks, the Board Director, Huawei Nigeria, Zhang Jing, stated that the mini grids systems will help improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure, ensuring renewable energy across the country are reliable and efficient.
He disclosed that the equipment is designed to handle different environmental challenges and withstand extreme weather conditions.
“Huawei is very delighted to partner with REA on this great initiative and milestone to make Nigeria have a more sustainable and secure energy future,” said Jing.
In the same vein, the REA and Galaxy Backbone on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the intersection of Nigeria’s power and ICT infrastructure.This collaboration, supports the Renewed Hope Electrification and Digital Economy Agenda of President Tinubu.