EU, UNIDO boost renewable energy drive in Gombe

The European Union and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation have intensified efforts to boost Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity, with the 620kW Balanga Dam Small Hydropower Project in Gombe State emerging as a model for powering agro-industrial development.

UNIDO, with funding support from the EU, on Monday organised a capacity-building workshop in Gombe to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, project developers, financial institutions and other stakeholders to develop and implement Small Hydropower projects.

The workshop on Monday also featured the fourth meeting of the project steering committee, with participants examining the potential of small hydropower to expand electricity access, drive rural development and support agro-processing.

Speaking at the event, UNIDO Representative and Sub-Regional Director, Philbert Johnson, said Nigeria had an estimated 24,000 megawatts of hydropower potential, with about 3,500MW coming from small hydropower.

Johnson, however, said the country’s electricity access remained below 60 per cent, underscoring the need to harness its renewable energy resources to bridge the supply gap.

He said, “Among these renewable energy sources, SHP holds great potential towards increasing access to electricity and addressing climate change.”

According to him, the project is being implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Rural Electrification Agency and relevant state governments, including Gombe.

He said the Balanga Dam project was selected as a practical case study to equip participants with the skills required for effective development and implementation of small hydropower projects.

“The Balanga Dam Small Hydropower Project is more than a mere energy infrastructure initiative. It provides us with a hands-on opportunity to examine how our water resources can be optimally harnessed to support economic transformation, improve livelihoods and strengthen energy security,” Johnson said.

The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, said the state would provide the necessary support to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

Jatau thanked the EU Delegation, UNIDO, the Global Environment Facility and the Rural Electrification Agency for their contributions towards the project.

He said the Balanga Dam project was strategically important to Gombe because it would generate clean electricity while supporting irrigation, water supply, flood control and livelihoods.

“It is a great honour for us to host this important Capacity Building Workshop on Small Hydropower Development. By choosing Balanga Dam SHP as a case study, you have put Gombe State on the national map for renewable energy and sustainable water management,” he said.

The deputy governor disclosed that the state government would facilitate the completion of the hydropower project and the agro-processing cluster expected to serve as the primary off-taker of the electricity generated.

“We will integrate SHP development into our rural electrification and irrigation master plan. We will ensure community ownership so that the project is protected, sustained, and delivers benefits to the host communities,” Jatau said.

The development is expected to strengthen Gombe’s push for renewable energy while linking clean power generation with agro-processing, irrigation and rural economic development.