Onome Amuge
The Abia State government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), is set to inject over €2.6 million into a new “Solar for Health” initiative aimed at boosting renewable energy adoption across its healthcare infrastructure.
Ikechukwu Monday, the state’s commissioner for power and public utilities, announced that Abia was one of six states selected for the EU-backed programme, having met the stipulated eligibility criteria. The project seeks to leverage solar power to energise health facilities and, notably, extend electricity access to nearby commercial activities.
The EU is contributing over €2 million to the venture, with Abia State providing counterpart funding exceeding €624,000. The scheme will deploy a total capacity of 500 kilowatts across at least nine health facilities within the state.
Beyond the healthcare centres, the initiative incorporates plans to supply power to local businesses, such as shops, in a bid to foster sustainability and provide commercial solutions. Metering systems will be installed at each location, with service charges implemented to support ongoing operational and maintenance costs.
To ensure a consistent power supply, particularly during periods of reduced solar generation like the rainy season, the systems will be equipped with battery storage technology. The project design also contemplates the integration of multiple energy sources for enhanced reliability.
Over 50 personnel from the State Ministries of Power and Health have already undergone training on the operation and upkeep of the solar systems. Energy audits are currently underway at the selected health facilities to optimise deployment strategies.
Commissioner Monday underscored the timely nature of the Solar for Health project, emphasising the critical role of a dependable energy supply in driving socio-economic progress within the state.
Monday also provided updates on Abia’s efforts to improve electricity access beyond the Aba Ring-Fenced area.
“We’ve made some progress with Aba Ring-Fenced, but from Umuahia to Abia North, power supply has been a challenge,” he stated.
He further revealed that the Abia State government is in advanced negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire a controlling stake in its electricity infrastructure within the state.
“We’ve completed due diligence to assess the value of the assets. Our first offer has been made, and negotiations are ongoing to reach a fair agreement. Full details will be disclosed once discussions are finalised,” Monday added.
Corroborating Monday’s statement, Okey Kanu, , the commissioner for Information,confirmed that Abia had submitted a bid to acquire a 60 per cent stake in EEDC’s interstate electricity assets located within the state, adding that these negotiations are also at an advanced stage.
