1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) invites you to the Call for Research (CFR) small grant awards that aims to catalyse rural electrification. While the sole mission of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is to provide access to reliable electric power supply for rural dwellers in Nigeria, the REA Research and Innovation initiative seeks to build an ecosystem of partnerships with impact funding to stimulate innovative solutions/technologies, towards improving agricultural productivity and other socio-economic infrastructure such as Health, Water, Transport, Education, Communication, as well as prototype devices and solutions that will address Rural electrification challenges in rural communities of Nigeria.

As the agency strives to implement its mandate, it has become evident that research plays a pivotal role in the development of renewable energy solutions/technologies as well as in the electricity power supply value chain and based on this, the Agency wishes to inform the research community across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and the general public, that research grants are available to support research that aligns with its mandate. Eligible and interested researchers are invited to participate in this Call for Research by submitting concept notes on any of the under listed thematic areas.

2.0 THEMATIC AREAS FOR THE REA GRANT APPLICATION

The prioritized thematic areas of research are, as presented below, in eight categories; interested researchers are expected to write a concept note on any of these eight categories. Applicants are strongly advised to keep to the provided thematic areas. However, submissions may be considered for other research topics that are pertinent to the agency's mandate and knowledge gaps hereunder.

2.1 Innovative and Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies:

• Rural e-Mobility: : To assess eco-friendly vehicles for the reduction of carbon emissions and to promote inclusive development in rural areas where mobility challenges are imminent, and to further promote the local production of rural e-Mobility technologies and infrastructure for underserved communities.
• Electric Motor-driven Mills: : To replace diesel-driven mills which would be easier to operate, require less maintenance, and reduce labour by removing time and cost required to travel for fuel purchases.
• Energy Efficiency in Productive Uses (PU) Improvement: : Increase ratio between output of production and input of renewable energy. This is for optimal production of products with decrease of primary energy consumption.

2.2 Investment & Funding of Sustainable Renewable Energy in Rural Areas:

• Mobilisation of Renewable Energy Investment: : Increase ratio between output of production and input of renewable energy. This is for optimal production of products with decrease of primary energy consumption.
Covering;
• Investment strategies to maximize returns
• Financial Instruments addressing investment risks
• Investors’ perceptions of risk
• Guarantees issued by public finance institutions
• Currency risk mitigation measures
• Liquidity risk mitigation instruments

2.3 Advances in Off-Grid / Stand-Alone Renewable Energy Systems:

• Trends and advances on the improvement of renewable energy equipment: To generate reliable power, reduce costs, and minimize inconvenience.
Covering;
• Solar Panels
• Batteries
• Charge controllers

2.4 Smart Utility Management and Security:

• Metering & Remote Monitoring: Electronic Meter Reading systems that allow for automation of electricity power demand and supply. Presents opportunities for a wide range application such as mapping and throughput data monitoring of power assets, supply and demand estimates and forecast.
• Smart Mini-grids: Management system for the measurement, monitoring, and control of electric loads coupled with automation to allow for remote operation, smart metering, load shedding, and optimized performance.
• Energy Security and Protection: Net-zero transition, energy infrastructure vulnerabilities and the cross-cutting nature of energy threats such as cyber-warfare and terrorism to energy infrastructure.

2.5 Business Models and Policy Impact Assessment for Decentralised Mini-grids:

• Business Concepts & Models:That demonstrate profit potential are a necessary precursor to realising the potential social impacts - in this case, accelerated connections, increased productive use, and improved grid performance.
Covering;
• Demand management
• Quality of electricity services
• Tariff design
• Revenue collection
• Power purchase agreements
• End-user finance
• Business models

2.6 Renewable Fuel Power Production:

• For the combination of complementary generation resource, which include fuels that are synthesized from renewable energy sources. Renewable fuels have gained significance due to their sustainability, low contributions to the carbon cycle, and in some cases lower amounts of greenhouse gases.
Covering;
• Solar
• Biomass
• Hydro
• Energy Mix

2.7 Programmes Impact Assessment

• Best practice in the use of impact assessment for informed decision regarding policies, Programmes, Plans and projects. This involves cross-sectional study of the Agency’s programmes.
Covering;
• Economic
• Environmental
• Social
• Assessing the impact of fiscal policy on mini off-grid projects.
• Assessing the impact of inflation on returns from investment in mini off-grid projects.
• Assessing the impact of tax incentives on investment in mini off-grid electricity projects.
• Assessing the potential impact of tax incentives on mini off-grid startups.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Public Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education that have established Energy Research Centers, and/or implementing the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) of REA are desirable.
• Multi-Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary research groups, comprising researchers from various disciplines (undergraduate and postgraduate), are highly encouraged. However, Research groups must be led primarily by a Principal Investigator, who hold PhD in relevant field.
• However, additional members of the research team can be drawn from researchers in private tertiary institutions, research institutes, Centers of Excellence and the industry. This is consistent with the global best practice of involving non-governmental organizations and other non-state actors in research projects that are to address national needs.
• Gender-responsive group composition is an added advantage.

4.0 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

4.1 The process of application is entirely on an online platform. The Principal Investigator (PI) is expected to submit a concept note. Concept note template is provided via the link, Download Concept Note Here This should be downloaded, filled, and uploaded to the website via the provided link. https://researchinnovation.rea.gov.ng/cfr/register

4.2 All successful Concept Notes will be communicated to proceed to the preparation of the Full Proposals which will also be processed online. The PI and, at least a member of the Research Team of an adjudged fundable proposal shall be invited to defend their proposal before the REA Research and Innovation Committee. Thereafter, the successful proposals for grant awards will be selected and presented to the REA Management Team.

5.0 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF CONCEPT NOTES

5.1 All submissions would close on Friday, 23 May, 2025 at 5pm (WAT).

6.0 DISCLAIMER

• This advertisement is published only for information purposes and does not constitute an offer, commitment or obligation by REA to transact with any party nor entitle any researcher to make any claims, whatsoever, or seek any indemnity from the Agency.
• ii. The applicant shall bear all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of Documents or submission made in response to this invitation or in response to any inquiry or clarification arising from this exercise.

7.0 ENQUIRIES

All inquiries and request for clarification regarding this publication may be directed to;