The Abia State Government has partnered with the European Union (EU) to launch the Solar for Health project, a renewable energy initiative worth over €2.6 million. The goal is to power health facilities across the state using solar energy and improve electricity access in rural areas.
During a press briefing in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, confirmed that Abia was one of six states selected for the EU-led project. He said the state met all requirements and will benefit from the program aimed at boosting clean energy in healthcare.
The EU will contribute over €2 million, while Abia State will provide more than €624,000 as counterpart funding.
500kW Solar Power to Support Hospitals and Nearby Businesses
Mr. Monday explained that the project will generate 500 kilowatts of electricity, which will power at least nine health facilities across the state. He added that the power supply will also reach nearby small businesses, such as shops, to support economic growth.
“It’s not just for hospitals,” he said. “We want to help nearby businesses too, so the project can last long.”
Each solar system will come with meters and a small service charge to cover maintenance. To ensure power even on cloudy days, the systems will use battery storage and may include other energy sources.
Staff Training and Energy Audits Underway
The government has already trained over 50 workers from the Ministries of Power and Health on how to manage and maintain the solar systems. It is also conducting energy audits at the health centres to plan the best way to install the systems.
Mr. Monday also revealed that the state is in talks with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to buy a controlling share of its infrastructure in Abia. He said the state has finished asset evaluations and made an offer. Discussions are ongoing.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, confirmed that Abia has offered to buy 60% of EEDC’s electricity assets in the state. He said talks have reached an advanced stage.
This move, along with the Solar for Health project, shows Abia’s strong push to improve energy access and power supply across the state.
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