The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commenced installation of 2 megawatt solar mini grid at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano to reduce dependency on unrealistic grid with epileptic supply.
The alternative energy source being propelled under the Federal government Renewed Hope Solarization agenda targeted to restore functional electricity supply across tertiary institution worth over N3.8 billion.
Unveiling the facility on Friday, ECN Director General, Mustapha Abdullahi explained that the 2 megawatt solar power installation was parts of the mandate entrusted the commission to end energy insecurity across higher institutions in Nigeria.
Mustapha who is an alumnus of the university asserted the phase one installation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Initiative at
Aliko University came after the intervention of the commission at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University, both in Kano.
The ECN boss said the project due for completion in three months followed careful assessment of technical evaluation and audits of load capacity and demand of the university.
He emphasized the solar photovoltaic array will be paired with a battery energy storage system for power continuity beyond daylight hours, it will be installed in decentralised clusters not a single large installation to improve resilience and ease management.
The ECN executive cautioned the contract to keep to the stipulated mandate agreed in the deed of contract, insisted no variation in contract sum will be accept. Similarly, the DG reminded that full accountability will be demanded by the Commission’s project monitoring framework.
“Every groundbreaking under this programme is preceded by rigorous technical work energy audits, load 21,877 assessments, site surveys, and system design. Our team arrived on this campus with that precise mandate, and the findings were unambiguous. ADUST is home to a combined population of 24,339 persons students, 2,462 staff, and hostel facilities providing 5,200 bed spaces.
“Against that scale of activity, the assessed actual energy demand on this campus ranges between 12.3 and 16.4 Megawatts. Yet the total connected load on utility records stands at only 8.26 Megawatts – a figure that already exceeds what the grid reliably delivers. The institution spends an average of N22.4 million every month on electricity bills.
” Based on the audit, the Energy Commission technical recommendation is a 7-Megawatt Solar Mini-grid as the complete solution for ADUST’s energy needs. That is our target. What we are breaking ground for today-a 2-Megawatt Phase 1 system-is the foundation of that phased deployment. Phase 1 is not a celling; it is a starting point, deliberately designed for expansion in configuration, land use, and technical capacity”. Abdullahi explained.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Yakasai disclosed the installation of the 2 megawatt solar mini grid remains unprecedented infrastructural milestone and a bold step toward sustainable energy, innovation, and academic excellence in the institution.
Professor Yakasai applause unwavering contribution of the ECN DG include the supply and installation of 200 units of solar streetlights across the campus with additional 200 units to enhance safety and sustainability.
According to the VC, the DG Energy Commission furthermore granted approval for the “Train-the-Trainer” programme on the application of the Nigeria Energy Calculator (NECAL 2050) thereby repositioning staff skill on energy planning and policy tools.
