REA Commissions 1.12MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi was officially plugged onto a mini-grid power plant designed to sufficiently serve the students and staff members of the institution on February 11.

The project which was launched under the Energising Education Initiative of the Rural Electricification Agency to provide sustainable and clean electricity supply to the university campus. Has also been launched in Bayero University Kano, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike-ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi, with 1.12MW Solar Hybrid Captive Power Plant

In addition, 20 ATBU female students were given on the job training in the design and installation of the captive solar hybrid power plant, streetlights and workshop/training centre.

The EEP is an initiative of the federal government to power 37 federal universities and seven university teaching hospitals across Nigeria with constant electricity and taking them off the grid.

According to the contractor, 1.12 megawatts captive power plant was delivered in conformity to international best practice and standards.

Joining the ceremony virtually, Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo asked the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to fast-track the projects with speed and quality across the country.

Read Also: Africa’s biggest off-grid markets are in these countries

“This is yet another milestone in the energising education programme. Renewables are the fastest growing segment of energy today and will certainly be a key economic driver in the future,” Osinbajo said.

“Indeed, Nigeria intends to have 30 per cent of its electricity supply from renewables by the year 2030. Our future workforce therefore needs to be ready for this energy transition. In this regards, the training centres constitute a critical additional benefit of this projects.

“Besides, this programme reaffirms the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices as we transition to cleaner sources of energy in line with the Paris agreement on climate change. These projects being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) are strategic to fulfilling our commitments to the agreement as we strive to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

“While commending the implementing agency, I must charge you to redouble your efforts in rolling out the programmes with speed and quality across the country.”

Agba Goddy, minister of state for power, said at the ceremony the project will improve the standard of living of the management and staff as well as the provision of quality education in a more conducive environment.

The Energizing Education Programme (EEP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), to provide sustainable and clean power supply to 37 Federal Universities and 7 University Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria. The project includes the provision of an independent power plant, upgrading existing distribution infrastructure, street lighting to improve security within the universities’ campuses, as well as the development of a world class training centre on renewable energy for each university.

The project is being implemented by the REA and developed in Phases. Phase 1 will deliver 28.5MW to 9 Federal Universities and 1 University Teaching Hospital, using solar hybrid and/or gas-fired captive power plants.

Phase 1 of the EEP will benefit 127,000 students and 28,000 staff of Universities, 4,700 staff in Teaching Hospitals (including 819 doctors), power 2,850 streetlights, and result in the decommissioning of hundreds of generators.