Nigeria powers up Africa’s ‘largest off-grid solar hybrid’

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
3.5MWp of solar PV, 8.1MWh of battery energy storage and 2.4MW of backup generators will supply more than 55,000 students, 3,000 staff and nearly 3,000 streetlights at BUK. Image: METKA.

The latest project to be switched on in Nigeria’s solar electrification programme for universities is also thought to be the largest ‘hybrid’ plant of its kind on the African continent so far, inaugurated this week at Bayero University Kano (BUK).

Sister title Energy-Storage.news reported towards the beginning of August as the first megawatt-scale hybrid project went into action at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State. Nigerian vice president Yemi Osinbajo attended that ceremony, heralding the launch of the wider Energizing Education Programme (EEP), being delivered through the country’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Osinbajo said then that the programme would result in the decommissioning of “hundreds” of fossil fuel generators. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

In total, 37 universities and seven teaching hospitals will benefit. In addition, the programme includes other initiatives such as encouraging young women into STEM education and jobs, while the latest project at BUK also includes the further benefit of powering hundreds of local street lights.

Phase 1 of EEP, funded by the Nigerian government, will help nine universities and a teaching hospital. Phases 2 and 3 are set to be funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank respectively.

See here for the full story as initially published by sister title Energy-Storage.news

Read Next

July 17, 2026
US solar developer Sol Systems has reached financial close on its 123MWac Peoria Solar Portfolio in Illinois.
July 17, 2026
The Zambian government has signed five contractor groups to build 312MW of solar capacity, with a 2MW solar plant in each constituency.
July 17, 2026
Qcells has become the first company to achieve UL Standards & Engagement (UL) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certifications for silicon-perovskite tandem solar technology.
July 17, 2026
US solar PV mounting systems manufacturer Unirac has acquired the solar racking business of Terrasmart from its parent company Gibraltar Industries, expanding its product portfolio into the commercial and industrial (C&I) and distributed generation (DG) segments.
Sponsored
July 17, 2026
At Intersolar 2026, PV Tech sat down with Suntech's General Manager Mr. Yang Hao to discuss how a quarter-century of experience, combined with robust industrial backing, positions the company for the industry's next chapter. 
July 16, 2026
Alpex Solar expects commercial production to begin in August 2026 at its 2.2 GW TOPCon G12R solar cell facility in Kosi Kotwan, Mathura, UP.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye