Solar hybrid power plant

The Federal Government, under the Rural Electricity Agency, commissioned the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa at Bayero University, Kano. Under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) this evening. The project will provide 55,815 students and 3,077 staff with constant electricity supply from the University’s 7.1MW solar hybrid power plant.

The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN who commissioned the gigantic project was in company of the executive governor of Kano State, minister of education, Power/State, Environment, Agriculture, and Senators among other important dignitaries.

 

The Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello in his Opening remarks expressed gratitude to the federal government for the huge success it recorded in completing the solar hybrid power plant in Bayero University as the second among 37 federal Universities and 7 teaching hospitals.

He added that “The institution is utilising the facility in renewable energy research and development especially solar energy, in collaboration with CRER in local and international Agencies and institutions in that regard”.

Furthermore he said “One of the aims of the institution is to locally manufacture solar panels as we are vigorously pursuing work on storage, the aim here is to produce more efficient, longer lasting, and cost effective batteries.

EEP is a FG’s intervention focused on developing off-grid dedicated independent power plants, rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure to supply clean, safe and reliable power to 37 federal universities and seven affiliated University teaching hospitals.
On his part, Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, rejoice with the management of the institution and the entire students of the University over the commission of the project.

As it will boost both the teaching and learning processes in the University. He further pleaded with the Federal Government to consider and include state Universities among the institutions that will benefit from such a formidable project.

The Managing Director of the REA, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, stated that “This is the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa.

She further stated that “The students and staff of Bayero University Kano, can now experience learning and teaching in a safer, cleaner and more conducive academic environment.”
Among the major highlights of the event was the graduation of 20 female students who participated in the Female STEM Students Internship Programme.

The female students, who received practical training during the course of the project would be awarded certificates of completion.

Mr. Evangelos Kamaris, Managing Director, METKA West Africa Limited, the EPC contractor said “the state-of-the-art solar hybrid power plant will result in carbon dioxide savings of 108,875,120Ibs, a feat we as green contractors are proud of.” Bayero University, Kano is the second project to be commissioned under Phase 1 of the Energizing Education Programme.

The Vice President In his closing remark assured other federal Universities of the Buhari Administration’s effort to ensure a conducive learning environment for every citizen of the country, and promised to see how it can be delivered to other sectors of the government.

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