With a total capacity of 7.1 MW, the recently inaugurated off-grid solar hybrid plant at Bayero University in Kano State, Nigeria, is the first of its kind in Africa. The system will provide electricity to 59,000 inhabitants, including nearly 55,000 students.
One of Africa’s largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant is located at the University of Bayéro, Kano State, Nigeria. It has a 7.1 MW capacity and was inaugurated on September 3, 2019 in the presence of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the plant is equipped with 10,680 solar panels. The set is accompanied by emergency generators and a battery-powered energy storage unit. The plant will facilitate research at the university by ensuring a constant supply of electrical energy. In addition, it will save the university 4.5 million naira, or just over $12,000 in past expenditures on electricity supply.
Damilola Ogunbiyi, Director of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA), said the book marks a further step in Nigeria’s commitment to green energy investment. “It is the largest off-grid solar power plant in Africa. We should, as Nigerians, be very proud of this, and of our federal government’s commitment to providing sustainable energy and good education,” she told the local press. The authorities announce that solar street lamps and a renewable energy training centre will also be installed at Bayero University.
One more central office for the Energising Education Programme
The power plant project is being carried out within the framework of the Energising Education Programme (EEP). The project is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria and will allow the construction of off-grid solar power plants for 37 federal universities and 7 hospitals in Nigeria. A few months earlier, a 100 kVA biomass power plant was inaugurated at Nsukka University and a 2.8 MW hybrid solar power plant at Alex Ekwueme University. Whoever doubted it, the solar energy sector is shining in Nigeria….
Luchelle Feukeng
