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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Chief Uche Nnaji has commended the German Government for installing Solar Energy Power Plants and an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Nnaji gave the commendation in Nsukka on Friday during the inauguration of the projects by Mr. Till Mansann, a Member of German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner.
The German Government had through the Yield Analysis and Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Photovoltaic and Photovoltaic-supported Food and Energy Hybrid Systems in Tropical Nigerian-Beninees Climate (YESPV-NIGBEN).
The German-sponsored project was designed to create climate-friendly ways of generating energy and producing and preserving food.
The Minister who was represented by Mr. Sulu Ibrahim, Director, Energy Management Department, Energy Commission of Nigeria said that the Energy Power Plants will help to solve the energy crisis in UNN and the country as well as boost food security.
“The energy power plants project is not only intended to provide an alternative and clean power supply but also will serve as a greenhouse to produce food and energy simultaneously.
“I commend the German Government for this wonderful project, as well as the YESPV Nigeria team, and Centre for Energy Research Commission(CERC), UNN, for executing the project effectively,” he said.
The Minister added Nigerian government will continue to partner with other countries towards solving the energy problems, as well as achieving food security in the country.
In a remark, Prof. Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellors of UNN who welcomed the minister and the German team at the university expressed appreciation to the German Government for domiciling the project in the institution.
He said that the project was in collaboration with CERC-UNN and the Center for Energy and Climate Research, Julich, Germany, adding that the projects are, a 20kwp Agri-PV system at the institution’s energy centre, a 20kwp system at the University Medical Centre.
Others are, 11KWp at the Nano research laboratory, a 5KWp solar home system, and a 1KWp PV-powered charging station.
“In line with the objectives of the project, the team has engaged in research using the project’s infrastructure, and the results of the projects have been published and presented in several high-impact journals and international conferences.
“These projects will no doubt help in solving some of the energy challenges bedeviling our institution, as well as serve as a research hub for staff and students,” he said.
The VC who was represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration assured that the university will continue to be open with collaborative partners in finding and providing solutions to problems facing humanity.
Also in a remark, Prof. Paully Ugwuoke, YESPV Nigeria team leader expressed his satisfaction that the project has been accomplished and is performing in line with its specifications.
He said with more funds from the German government the project group would do more to help the country to provide solutions to solving energy crisis in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Izuckukwu Okafor, Director, CERC -UNN, said that bringing the project to UNN was a big boost for the institution’s quest for alternative and sustainable energy supply on the campus and its environs.
“Bringing this project here has solved some of the issues in UNN concerning power supply.
“With the installation of the project in a place like the University’s Medical Center has helped to maintain a steady power supply,” he said.
Responding shortly after inaugurating the project, Mr. Mansann, the German team leader expressed his satisfaction with the way the project was executed and stressed that better knowledge is needed to make the world a better place and as well as have an effective energy system.
“The German Government’s aim for these projects was to help solve the challenge of power supply in Nigeria, as well as to ensure training and capacity building.
“We are happy with the dedication and the prudence exhibited by the Nigeria project team in handling the project and ensuring that the project aim and objective was achieved,” he said.
The German team leader expressed appreciation for the warm reception at hospitality accorded to them by the university.
Dr. Christopher Roevekamp, Head of Division, Energy and Hydrogen, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research was among the German team.
