The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc says it is working with developers and other stakeholders to deploy renewable energy projects that can add more than 17 megawatts to its electricity distribution network.

According to a statement on Friday, IBEDC spokesperson Daniel Adugbo said this during the commissioning of the Oke-Oyi Interconnected Mini-Grid (IMG) Project in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He noted that the company is working with multiple stakeholders on a pipeline of projects that could unlock over 17 megawatts of renewable energy capacity within its franchise.

Mr Adugbo said the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commissioned the project on Thursday.

He stated that the project, developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited in collaboration with IBEDC and with support from the German Cooperation and the European Union, is designed to expand access to reliable electricity in the Oke-Oyi community. 

“The project has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries, with approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity distribution network to the community with an estimated population of 13,000 people,” he said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Deolu Ijose, was represented by Dr Ademola Adewumi, IBEDC’s chief commercial officer, North, who said the planned projects and partnerships would improve electricity access, increase renewable-energy adoption, and support sustainable socio-economic development across the company’s coverage areas.

“The Oke-Oyi IMG Project stands as another testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking developers, distribution utilities, regulators, financiers and communities work together towards a common objective.

“Together, we can ensure that this investment continues to deliver lasting benefits for generations to come,” he said.