Africa’s ‘largest off-grid solar hybrid’ goes online at Nigerian University BUK

LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
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).

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.

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.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

A factsheet produced by the REA in July says the project at BUK totals 7.1MW capacity, combining 3.5MWp of solar PV generation from 10,680 solar panels, 2.4MW of backup generators and 8.1MWh of battery energy storage.

As with the project at FUNAI, the reduction of use in petrol and diesel generators will be significant at the site. METKA said the project has used modular off-grid system technology from global power electronics and energy conversion specialist Exeron.

Contractor Metka emailed Energy-Storage.news to report from the BUK project’s commissioning, with METKA Power West Africa president Evangelos Kamaris stating that the company “believes strongly in Nigeria and the vision of its leadership in the power sector,” praising efforts of president Muhammadu Buhari.

VP Yemi Osinbajo was again in attendance at the launch, commending METKA for its work, restating the aims of the EEP and noting its positive impact on education for young women and in providing direct job opportunities.

Meanwhile, REA managing director Damilola Ogunbiyi said that the BUK project is Africa’s largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant and “one we, as Nigerians, should be very proud of,” adding that more than 55,000 students and 3,000+ staff at the university will benefit, while 2,850 streetlights can be powered by the solar-plus-storage solution too.

Read Next

Premium
August 25, 2025
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has laid the groundwork for a new 120MWh distribution-connected portfolio of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
August 25, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has found battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the most reliable clean energy technology in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
August 22, 2025
Spanish utility Iberdrola and power conversion specialist firm Ingeteam have partnered to hybridise Spanish operational PV plants with battery energy storage systems (BESS).
August 21, 2025
Statera Energy has begun operating the biggest BESS project in the UK, connected to a National Grid substation that formerly supported two coal power plants.
August 21, 2025
ACE Power has confirmed the sale of the 103MW/206MWh Kerang grid-forming BESS in the Loddon Valley region of Victoria, Australia.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter