Delta Moves to Resolve Legal, Technical Hurdles for DARES

The Delta State Government has intensified efforts to fast-track the implementation of renewable energy projects under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, following a stakeholders’ meeting to address outstanding legal, technical and implementation challenges.

Key Highlights

• Delta State moves to resolve legal and technical issues affecting DARES projects.
• Government and stakeholders review the proposed collaboration agreement.
• DARES aims to expand renewable energy access in underserved communities and public institutions.
• Preparations are underway for the proposed DARES groundbreaking ceremony.
• Stakeholders review rooftop assessments and project engineering requirements.

The state Commissioner for Energy, Michael Anoka, disclosed this after the stakeholders’ meeting convened to address the outstanding issues affecting the initiative.

Anoka said the meeting focused largely on concerns raised by the Ministry of Justice over the proposed collaboration agreement between the state government and the project’s implementing partners.

He said stakeholders agreed to strengthen coordination between the legal and technical teams to resolve the outstanding issues and ensure that the project complies with relevant laws, technical standards and the agreed implementation framework.

The DARES programme, being implemented in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is designed to expand renewable energy deployment and improve electricity access in underserved communities and public institutions. [6]

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The Chief Economic Adviser and DARES Focal Person, Dr Barry Gbe, also briefed stakeholders on preparations for the proposed groundbreaking ceremony. He said a date would be announced after further consultations and the resolution of pending issues.

Stakeholders stressed the importance of clearly defining the responsibilities of all parties, while emphasising the role of the state’s project engineering team in providing technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

The meeting also reviewed the rooftop assessment conducted in collaboration with the state government and renewable energy consultants. Participants agreed that outstanding concerns arising from the assessment must be addressed promptly to prevent further delays.

The programme provides funding options, including the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) and Performance-Based Grant (PBG).

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to removing bottlenecks and delivering the DARES renewable energy projects on schedule to improve electricity access for communities and public institutions across Delta State.