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ATBU becomes the 5th educational institution to deploy a solar mini-grid system under the EEP.
- The plant comprises of energy storage and diesel generator back up systems.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a solar hybrid mini-grid system in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi. The school becomes the fifth to receive a solar mini-grid system under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) component of REA’s Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
The Energizing Education Programme (EEP) is an initiative of the FGN, to provide sustainable and clean power supply to 37 Federal Universities and 7 University Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria. This year, the REA commissioned a solar hybrid mini-grid system at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Read also: Another Federal University Gets Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Plant
Wilson and Sterling Nigeria constructed the ATBU project, and it comprises a 1.12 MW solar plant plus a 5.2MWh backup energy storage system and a 300kVA back up diesel generator. As part of the project, about 5.2km of road was fitted with streetlights. The project has added about 310 new jobs within the university community with 20 female students of the university undergoing training under the EEP STEM internship programme.
The Minister of Power, Engr Sale Mamman who was at the commissioning noted that the EEP aims to enable young Nigerians to accomplish their learning goals in a conducive learning environment. The Minister of State for Power, Goddy Agba, also noted that the government would in coming months deliver mire projects aimed at electrifying more universities and communities that will ultimately impact the country’s economy.