The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, recently witnessed a transformative milestone in renewable energy deployment. With the unveiling of a ₦900 million, 240KW solar car park donated by Azura Power West Africa, Precious Ugwuzor writes that the company is setting an example for energy sustainability in Nigerian institutions and transforming its landscape
The Federal Government of Nigeria recently inaugurated a 240KW solar car park worth ₦900 million, donated by Azura Power West Africa to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
This project underscores the growing importance of renewable energy in addressing Nigeria's energy challenges, particularly in critical sectors such as education.
Also, the project, an innovative blend of infrastructure and environmental consciousness, is poised to alleviate UNN's electricity challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and inspire other institutions to embrace renewable energy solutions. Beyond its immediate impact, the initiative signals a broader commitment to advancing Nigeria's renewable energy ambitions.
Minister of Power Hails Renewable Energy Milestone
The inauguration ceremony was performed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who highlighted the federal government's commitment to ensuring sustainable electricity supply through renewable energy. The minister acknowledged the efforts of Azura Power, calling their intervention exemplary.
Represented by the Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, Adelabu reiterated the Federal Government's Vision 30:30:30, a roadmap aiming to achieve 30,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2030, with 30 per cent coming from renewable energy.
"It is with great pleasure and profound pride that I stand before you today to witness and celebrate a remarkable milestone in the development of renewable energy in Nigeria," he said.
"The Federal Government's Vision 30:30:30 is a commitment to achieving 30 per cent renewable energy in the national power mix by 2030. Today, we inaugurate (sic...) the 240KW solar car park donated by Azura Power West Africa Limited to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka--a project that exemplifies our collective commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the future of clean energy in Nigeria," he added.
While emphasising the critical role of renewable energy in driving development, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and industry, the minister praised the solar car park as more than an infrastructure project but as a beacon of clean energy integration into daily life, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing Nigeria's environmental sustainability agenda.
He said: "As we are all aware, energy plays a crucial role in driving development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and industry. The importance of ensuring that our institutions have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy cannot be overstated.
"It is in this context that this project holds such significant value to our yearning and aspiration toward sustainable energy development for the country. By providing the University of Nigeria with a state-of-the-art solar-powered car park, we are not only enhancing the university's energy capacity but also contributing to the environmental sustainability agenda of our nation.
"Nigeria, as a developing nation, faces many energy challenges. However, one of the most promising solutions to these challenges lies in the harnessing of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. Solar energy is abundant in our country, and its use presents an opportunity for cleaner, more sustainable power generation, especially in rural and off-grid areas".
He disclosed that the solar car park represents more than just an infrastructural addition to the University of Nigeria, but a demonstration of how clean, renewable energy can be integrated into everyday life and operations, reducing the reliance on conventional fossil fuel-powered sources.
The successful implementation of this project is a shining example of the direction in which our country's energy sector is heading -- one that is clean, green, and focused on achieving our climate goals, the minister contended.
"The commissioning of this 240KW solar car park would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of Azura Power West Africa Limited, one of the leading players in Nigeria's power sector. We commend Azura Power for their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of renewable energy in Nigeria. This project is a testament to the company's dedication to corporate social responsibility and its belief in the transformative power of renewable energy to address Nigeria's energy deficits".
The minister said the partnership between the federal government and private sector players such as Azura Power is crucial to ensuring that we accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions across Nigeria. It is through such collaborations that we can achieve the ambitious targets set in the Renewable Energy Master Plan and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Impact on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
The solar car park is expected to provide reliable energy to various university facilities, cutting annual energy costs by approximately ₦150 million and reducing diesel consumption by 135,000 liters per year. This, in turn, will cut CO₂ emissions by 351,000 kilograms annually, a significant step towards combating climate change.
The Vice Chancellor of UNN, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Romanus Eze Okonkwo, expressed deep appreciation for Azura Power's intervention. He noted that the university has been grappling with severe electricity challenges, including disconnection from the national grid due to an ₦800 million debt owed to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
"We are happy with this development. Some faculties and departments will now rely on the solar car park for electricity. This intervention by Azura is a laudable initiative," Professor Okonkwo said.
Azura Power's Commitment to Renewable Energy
Edu Okeke, Managing Director of Azura Power West Africa, described the project as a fulfillment of a vision to empower his alma mater, particularly the Faculty of Engineering, with sustainable energy solutions.
"This journey began years ago with discussions initiated by my good friend, Prof. Emeka Obe, when he was the Dean of this faculty. At the 19th Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture on March 15, 2022, I announced Azura Power's commitment to supporting this vision with a solar power installation, and here we are, celebrating its realisation," Okeke said.
He further stated, "Azura Power, as many of you know, is the developer and operator of the 459 MW Azura-Edo IPP, supplying around 10 per cent of Nigeria's grid power. Since our inception, we understood that our impact extends beyond power generation. Through our corporate social responsibility initiative, "Power to Change," we committed a significant portion of our resources to support education, health, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our annual CSR budget, initially set at One Million US Dollars (USD1m), is dedicated to projects like this--projects that create a lasting, positive impact in our host communities and across Nigeria".
He said, the 240-KW solar car park at the Faculty of Engineering is more than a physical asset or infrastructural addition. It's a commitment to Nigeria's energy transition and a beacon of our dedication to educational and social advancement. We are immensely honoured to contribute to this vital endeavour.
"To the Agbebites, we hope this facility enables you to study and innovate with fewer disruptions, helping you explore your potential as leaders and problem-solvers. For the faculty, this project is expected to save around ₦150 million annually in energy costs and reduce diesel usage by 135,000 litres per year--equivalent to cutting CO₂ emissions by 351,000 kg. This is a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our environment".
Considering Nigeria as a federating nation, Okeke disclosed that, Azura Power plans to expand this initiative to five more universities across Nigeria. Beyond universities, "we have already extended similar projects to schools like KNOSK School in Abuja and others in Edo and Borno States, with a goal of achieving 2 MW of solar capacity by 2035. Our mission is clear: to support education, reduce emissions, and drive sustainability across the country".
"I wish to use this opportunity to urge other alumni and corporate leaders to look back and contribute to our institutions. At a time when the government alone cannot bridge the infrastructure gap, we can uplift our universities by providing resources to allow them to focus on what matters most--the education and empowerment of our future leaders".
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A Call to Action for Stakeholders
Okeke urged corporate leaders and alumni to invest in educational institutions, citing the government's inability to address infrastructure gaps alone.
"The inauguration of this solar car park is not just a step toward achieving cleaner energy; it is a demonstration of our collective belief in the power of education and innovation to drive sustainable development," he said.
Government's Broader Renewable Energy Agenda
The federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to advance renewable energy adoption across the country. Key initiatives include implementing the Renewable Energy Master Plan, the National Policy on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and establishing mini-grids in rural areas.
The government's efforts, combined with public-private partnerships like the one with Azura Power, aim to make renewable energy a central part of Nigeria's energy mix, ensuring access to reliable and sustainable power for all Nigerians.
Thus, the inauguration of the 240KW solar car park at UNN symbolises a pivotal step in Nigeria's journey toward renewable energy. With its immediate impact on UNN's energy supply and its broader implications for sustainable development, the project serves as a beacon for innovation and collaboration in addressing Nigeria's energy challenges.
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The project, an innovative blend of infrastructure and environmental consciousness, is poised to alleviate UNN's electricity challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and inspire other institutions to embrace renewable energy solutions. Beyond its immediate impact, the initiative signals a broader commitment to advancing Nigeria's renewable energy ambitions
