3MW solar project at Abuja University

The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW solar project at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, in a move aimed at improving electricity supply for teaching, research and other critical activities. The project was commissioned on Wednesday, September 16, under Phase II of the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP), with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Nigeria Electrification Project involved in its delivery. The facility combines a 3.3MWp solar array with 3MW of AC output capacity and 2MWh of battery storage. It also has a dedicated grid connection to support electricity demand outside periods of solar generation. According to reports, the project should reduce the university’s reliance on diesel generators. It will also provide more dependable electricity for laboratories, digital services, research and other academic operations.

3MW Solar Project Boosts Power at Abuja University

The solar project also comes with 388 streetlights installed across the university campus to improve illumination and security. The Federal Government said the university’s installation is part of Phase II of the Energising Education Programme. The programme covers several universities and teaching hospitals. It has reportedly delivered renewable energy infrastructure to 22 federal universities and three affiliated teaching hospitals, with more than 100MW of clean energy deployed. The Federal Government also commissioned a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre alongside the power project. The facility will strengthen technical capacity and give students opportunities to gain practical knowledge in renewable energy. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, also announced plans for a national electricity complaints call centre. Consumers would be able to use the centre to report power-related issues. He said the government is also developing a dedicated channel for reporting vandalism of electricity infrastructure. The Yakubu Gowon University project should support the institution’s academic activities. It will also support practical research and training in solar energy, battery storage and energy management. The project will also provide training in grid integration.