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The European Union (EU) is partnering with the Government of Gombe State to provide small hydropower for agro-industrial use in the state. The intervention specifically targets the Balanga Dam, a state-owned structure constructed in 1983 as a mono-purpose dam primarily intended for irrigation. Besides irrigation, the intervention will explore the immense potential of the dam, such as regional water supply to surrounding communities and local governments, fishing, tourism, among other agricultural and economic activities.
Also, the intervention, part of the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative in the energy sector to promote the use of renewable and clean energy in the country, is part of the €37 million support fund from the EU. A budget of €5 million is allocated to cover all six states of the six geopolitical zones under the small hydropower project for agro-processing use.
With a budget of €5 million, the EU plans to implement six small hydropower projects across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Some of the states to benefit from this pilot intervention include Benue, Cross River, Nasarawa, and Edo. During a courtesy visit by officials of the EU and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to inspect the Balanga Dam, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, explained that the state has been actively seeking industrialists, and the EU intervention, to be implemented by UNIDO, brings joy to the state.
He assured that the government of Gombe State will ensure that the development of small hydropower will assist small-scale industries and improve the lives of the people living in abject darkness. Jatau further stated that with the availability of electricity, many things, including the ease of doing business, will be improved for tailors, welders, and other artisans and business owners.
He said,
I have been traveling around the world, inviting investors to come to Gombe. I am confident that your visit has provided you with an accurate picture, not merely hearsay. Your personal presence brings us great joy, and we are eager to collaborate to explore opportunities that will contribute to the intended outcomes of this visit, especially the development of small hydropower. “This initiative aims not only to benefit those capable of establishing small industries but also to enhance the lives of people living in abject darkness.”
The contract signing for the small hydropower project, finalized on December 1, 2023, is a 3-year program for agro-industrial use and is expected to fully power all the agro-industries in Balanga and extend its reach. The Balanga Dam can generate as much as 500 kilowatts of power. However, the project is targeting a minimum of 200 kilowatts of power generation, equivalent to 2 megawatts.
While the EU is also considering establishing solar micro-mini grids to electrify Primary Health Care (PHCs) centres in states under the EU energy project by the year 2024, the hydropower facility is also expected to power households, with any excess electricity potentially used to power the water supply dam in the state. This marks the first small hydropower project that the EU is engaging in, diversifying from conventional solar technology. The target of this project is to reach a minimum of 5 million people through the program, with a maximum-targeted power generation capacity of 8 megawatts for the project across the six states.
The EU has initiated a firsthand assessment of the six selected states, commencing with Gombe as its pilot state to kickstart the project’s implementation. To ensure full ownership and sustainability beyond the project duration, the EU is proposing 70 per cent implementation support, covering funding for turbines for electricity generation, training and workshops, policy framework arrangement, capacity building, and regulatory processes. The Gombe state government is expected to cover the remaining 30 per cent of the implementation cost.
The Balanga small hydropower plant is capable of distributing electricity to neighbouring areas, contributing to revenue generation for sustainability. According to Danladi Adamu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Environment, and Forest Resources in Gombe State, the dam benefits surrounding communities, especially for irrigation purposes. He said, “It was a mono-purpose dam originally designed for irrigation purposes, but it has the potential to develop small hydropower, in addition to other complementary activities such as fishing and regional water supply to the surrounding communities, local government, and tourism. “On the part of the state government, we are committed to this partnership because the Executive Governor is dedicated to ensuring that this collaboration benefits the people of Gombe state.” Adamu also expressed the government’s willingness and commitment to partner with the EU to harness the dam’s potential for the benefit of the people of Gombe State and the broader North-East region.
The Project Manager on Energy and Circular Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, added, “As part of the sustainability arrangement, we want the state to be a part of it and have counterpart funding. The EU covers 70 per cent of the implementation cost, while Gombe state covers the remaining 30 per cent of the cost. “We are implementing this approach because sometimes, when donors fund a project, people perceive it as a ‘Father Christmas’ gift, and they may not feel the need to take care of it. After commissioning, the situation often changes. “Therefore, we are contemplating establishing a dedicated company that will oversee the production of electricity. This way, they can effectively manage it on behalf of the state. “We aim to involve the private sector in this initiative to ensure that, for the next thirty years, the facility is well-maintained and continues to generate electricity, regardless of the government in power.”
While neighbouring states come to Gombe for dry-season farming, given the state’s vast 4,000 hectares of virgin farmlands, the Government of Gombe State believes that, regarding sustainability, private companies are willing to invest in both hydropower and agricultural practices, ensuring the uptake of all produced goods. Before now, several collaborations of the state with some partners had failed.
However, thanks to the EU’s intervention to collaborate with UNIDO as the implementing partner, the people of Gombe state are hopeful that this stride will be a door to several opportunities. UNIDO will not only help to run the production of electricity, it will also manage it on behalf of the state. Also, in cases where power needs to be sold, the arrangement will be done with the government in a consensual contract. The EU also wants the private sector to be involved in the project, so that it is sure that in the next 30 years, the facility is maintained and continues to generate electricity, irrespective of the government in power.
The project, during its construction, is expected to create direct and indirect job employment for indigenous people of the state. Furthermore, while agro-processing clusters will enjoy a cheap cost for a 24/7 power supply to continually conduct their processing, it eliminates the reliance on diesel which is costly and an environmental pollutant.
