Gombe launches 620KW Hydropower-Solar plant in Balanga

Gombe State Government has launched a 620KW small hydropower-solar PV hybrid system at Balanga Dam in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area of the state. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the project as a major milestone in the state’s journey toward energy security, rural electrification and industrial development. Governor Yahaya, represented […]

Gombe State Government has launched a 620KW small hydropower-solar PV hybrid system at Balanga Dam in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the project as a major milestone in the state’s journey toward energy security, rural electrification and industrial development.

Governor Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, emphasised that the launch was in line with his administration’s broader agenda of infrastructural development, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

He said, “This project is timely and strategic. It speaks directly to our vision of self-reliance, sustainability and inclusive growth. Power is the backbone of modern development, and this system will transform lives, stimulate agriculture, create jobs and enhance the standard of living in Balanga and beyond.”

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Daily Trust reports that the project, funded by the European Union (EU), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The hybrid system combines small hydropower and solar photovoltaic technologies to deliver reliable electricity and renewable energy, aimed at stimulating local enterprise, raising living standards and contributing to national goals for green industrialisation.

Governor Yahaya expressed deep appreciation to all partners for their commitment and praised the people of Balanga LGA for their support, urging the host community to take full ownership of the project to ensure sustainability.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the initiative as a model for clean energy deployment in rural Nigeria, adding that the agency would complete its component within a month.

He said the project is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is scheduled to commence the solar PV component within two weeks, while UNIDO will complete the small hydropower component by January 2026.

He commended Governor Yahaya for positioning the state to benefit from the Federal Government’s $750 million rural electrification package.

On his part, UNIDO Regional Director, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, highlighted the project’s potential to boost agricultural productivity and drive economic development.

He noted that Gombe is the first state in the country to benefit from the initiative.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources in the state, Saidu Muhammed Fawu, said the project is expected to drive sustainable development, boost local economies and solidify the state’s standing as a model of innovation and resilience in Nigeria’s energy transition.