Mini-grids: NEMSA, Stakeholders Brainstorm on Compliance with Technical Standards

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has met with stakeholders in the electricity mini-grids space to sensitise them on the need to ensure that high technical standards set by the organisation are strictly complied with.

Speaking at the one-day event which held in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Aliyu Tukur, said that the sensitisation workshop was important, given that the mini-grids market was rapidly expanding in the country.

According to him, it has become even critical, with further international development financing like the $750 million World Bank funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) being anticipated by Nigeria.

 Themed: “Strengthening and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Landscape through Adherence to Established Standards and Regulations,” the meeting was held with support from the European Union (EU) and the German Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

At the event which brought together major industry stakeholders, including solar mini-grid developers, component manufacturers, development partners and regulators, Tukur urged participants to collaborate with NEMSA from the onset of their projects to ensure efficient inspections.

 He said: “Following our mandate under the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 to enforce technical standards and regulations, inspect, test, and certify all categories of electrical installations, including renewable energy projects, this event serves as a platform to create awareness and guide stakeholders on compliance.

“Our goal is to ensure that projects meet the necessary standards, guaranteeing safety and reliability across the sector. The market is rapidly expanding and further international development financing is being anticipated.

“This include the $750 million World Bank funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme and funding from our development partners like the EU and the German Government. We are committed to safeguarding the solar mini-grid sector.

“We urge funders, developers and manufacturers to collaborate with NEMSA from the onset of their projects to ensure efficient inspections and certifications, ultimately speeding up deployment and commissioning timelines,” Tukur stated.

The NEMSA boss reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to enforcing the strict regulations and standards, ensuring a safe and sustainable renewable energy sector.

 He emphasised that by adhering to established standards and regulations, stakeholders could collectively contribute to reliable power delivery, safety, and sector sustainability.

Representing the Head of Section, Green & Digital Economy, EU Delegation to  Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Godfrey Egbemudia, in his goodwill message emphasised the agency’s critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of solar mini-grid systems.

He mentioned that the EU remains a strong advocate for sustainable energy access through solar mini grids, reiterating the commitment of the EU to supporting the relevant agencies in enhancing the regulatory environment while ensuring market scalability and sustainability.

Also, representing the Head of Programme, NESP, Mrs Sharon Kaburuk, emphasised the notable cooperation the programme has had with the agency over the years since its first phase between 2013 – 2017.

“Through the generous support of the EU and German Government, we are strengthening our cooperation with NEMSA to enhance its operational capacity.  We are in the process of also procuring some solar mini-grid test equipment for field inspections. These efforts directly support market growth and sustainability of solar mini grids,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, who  declared the event open, noted that continued awareness initiatives will empower NEMSA to fulfil its mandate more effectively, ensuring safer, more sustainable electrification projects across Nigeria.”

Other stakeholders involved in renewable energy projects also presented how they were complying with the standards and ensuring quality installations, safety usage of the components and sustainable practices.