The Delta State Government has stepped up efforts to resolve outstanding issues delaying the implementation of renewable energy projects under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.
The development followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened to address legal, technical and implementation challenges affecting the programme and ensure that work progresses without further delays.
The Commissioner for Energy, Mr Michael Anoka, said particular attention was given to concerns raised by the Ministry of Justice over the proposed collaboration agreement between the state government and the project’s implementing partners.
According to him, stakeholders agreed to improve coordination between the legal and technical teams to resolve the outstanding matters.
Anoka said the approach would ensure that the project is implemented in line with relevant laws, technical standards and the agreed framework.
The Commissioner explained that the DARES programme, being implemented with the support of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is designed to expand renewable energy deployment and improve access to electricity.
He said removing the identified bottlenecks was necessary to ensure that the programme delivers its intended benefits to communities and public institutions across Delta State.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the state and DARES Focal Person, Dr Barry Gbe, also provided an update on preparations for the proposed groundbreaking ceremony.
Gbe said the date for the ceremony would be announced after consultations are concluded and the remaining issues are resolved.
Participants at the meeting stressed the importance of clearly defining the responsibilities of every party involved in the project.
They also highlighted the need for the state’s project engineering team to maintain effective technical oversight throughout the different stages of implementation.
The stakeholders further clarified that the rooftop assessment for the project was carried out in collaboration with the state government and experienced renewable energy consultants.
However, concerns identified in connection with the assessment are to be addressed promptly to prevent them from becoming additional sources of delay.
The meeting also reviewed the funding mechanisms available under the DARES programme for eligible renewable energy projects.
These include the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) and Performance-Based Grant (PBG) models.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the outstanding challenges and ensuring timely implementation of the projects.
They said successful delivery of the programme would improve electricity access for public institutions and communities across Delta State while supporting the state’s broader renewable energy ambitions.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Sir Byron Unini; and Director of Renewable and Alternative Energy, Michael Ujomu.
Others present included Assistant Director, Electrical, Eddy Ebruke; Assistant Directors of Justice, Stella Anumah and Ejiroghene Agbagbara; Director, Riverine, John Kembigha; and Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Transport, Benedict Nwaokolo
