The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 1.5-megawatt interconnected solar mini-grid in Pankshin, Plateau State, as part of efforts to improve electricity access in underserved communities.

The project forms part of a broader initiative to deploy 48 interconnected solar mini-grids across the country to strengthen power supply and support economic activities in areas with limited access to reliable electricity.

According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Pankshin mini-grid is designed to enhance electricity quality, reduce technical losses and provide stable power for businesses, healthcare facilities, agro-processing activities and other productive enterprises.

REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding energy access while promoting local economic development through reliable electricity infrastructure.

He also commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for fostering an enabling environment that has encouraged private sector participation in the state’s power sector.

Aliyu noted that the initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth by ensuring electricity serves as a catalyst for production, job creation and business expansion, rather than being limited to household consumption.

The solar mini-grid project is one of several interventions being implemented by the Federal Government to bridge the electricity gap and extend dependable power supply to communities that are either unserved or underserved by the national grid.