By: Paramhar Benson
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) is set to generate 120 Kilovolt-Ampere (KVA) renewable energy for its operations.
The contract for the project was signed in June 2016 between the AUN and Protergia Nigeria Limited, an Abuja-based clean energy development firm.
The work, which is already in an advanced stage, will be delivered by the end of March.
Protergia Nigeria Limited emerged winner of the competitive bid to mount 306 solar panels at the parking bay of the recently-commissioned Akin-Kekere Ekun building.
The building, designed “green” from scratch, was strategically chosen by the university for the renewable energy project.
While it is expected to generate 149,793 gas kiloWatt hour (kWh) per annum, the project will save approximately 72,000 litres of diesel used in powering generators on campus.
It will also save the university approximately N20 million in the cost of diesel.
“We have completed about 55 percent of the work and we expect to finish the installation in a couple of days,” said the project engineer, Obinna Onuegbu.
Mr. Unuegbu said the project is the first of its kind in the country and the third largest solar energy installation in Nigeria.
“This is the third largest solar installation in Nigeria today. It will solve all the power demand at the university’s administrative building.
“This will also serve as a tourist centre,” said Mr. Onuegbu.