This Federal Government of Nigeria initiative is developing off-grid, dedicated and independent power plants, as well as rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure, to supply clean and reliable power to 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated university teaching hospitals. In addition, it will provide street lighting for illumination and safety, as well as a world class renewables training centre at each of the EEP beneficiary institutions. The programme is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.
The project is being developed in phases – the first phase is currently under construction, which covers 9 universities and 1 affiliated teaching hospital. Under Phase 1, seven of nine universities will be powered with electricity from solar hybrid technologies, the other two universities will receive electricity from gas fired power plants. The first 180 female STEM students in Phase 1 have commenced their EEP internship.
This report focuses on the completed solar hybrid project at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike-Ikwo (FUNAI).