FG To Establish Solar Power Plant In BUK

The Federal Government will on Tuesday (today) inaugurate an off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Bayero University, Kano under its Energising Education Programme.

The Rural Electrification Agency said in a statement that the inauguration would include the launch of 11.41 kilometres of solar-powered street lights as well as a world-class renewable energy training centre.

According to the statement, 55,815 students and 3,077 staff members now have access to electricity supply from the university’s 7.1 megawatts solar hybrid power plant.

The Managing Director, REA, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, said, “This is the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa; one we, as Nigerians, should be very proud of, thanks to commitment of the Federal Government towards sustainable energy and education.

“Students and staff of Bayero University, Kano can now experience learning and teaching in a safer, cleaner and more conducive academic environment.”

According to the statement, one of the major highlights of the event will be the graduation of 20 female students who participated in the Female STEM Students Internship Programme.

It said the female students, who received practical training during the course of the project construction, 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.”

According to the statement, the solar power plant in Bayero University is the second project to be inaugurated under Phase One of the Energising Education Programme.