PowerGen Renewable Energy’s solar PV mini‑grid in Toto, Nasarawa State, earned the Mini‑Grid Project of the Year 2023 award from the Africa Solar Industry Association, recognizing its innovative hybrid, interconnected design.
An Innovative Hybrid Design
The system combines a 352.24 kWp solar array with 972 kWh of battery storage and a diesel generator. It integrates with the dormant national grid, reviving 10-year-old infrastructure and draws up to six hours of nighttime power from Abuja DisCo under a formal agreement.
This system now serves over 2,800 households, alongside 141 businesses, 18 productive users, and 45 public facilities in Toto. It provides consistent day‑night electricity, reduces battery dependency, cuts costs compared to diesel, and offsets about 1,920 t of CO₂ annually. Local enterprises, like a yoghurt factory, save around ₦11 500 (~€60) daily on fuel.
The Toto mini‑grid showcases how hybrid systems combining solar generation, upgraded grid infrastructure, smart metering, and IoT, can deliver reliable and affordable power. PowerGen is now pursuing similar projects at over ten times the scale. The initiative supports Nigeria’s 2030 electricity access goals and the 2023 Electricity Act push toward decentralized generation.
Toto’s recognition as Mini-Grid Project of the Year highlights Africa’s potential for innovative, integrated energy systems. Through smart collaboration, simple finance, and technology, PowerGen alongside government and development partners, is lighting the way forward.