The European Union (EU) and the Enugu State Government have launched an N3.33 billion Solar for Health Project aimed at electrifying 25 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state.
This initiative is a part of the broader Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP), designed to strengthen the country’s healthcare system through sustainable solar energy solutions.
The project also reflects an increasing trend among Nigerian states to pursue energy autonomy following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers subnational governments to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently.
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The Solar for Health Project is set to provide uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to healthcare facilities, addressing a significant challenge that has plagued the Nigerian healthcare system for decades. Frequent power outages have severely limited the capacity of PHCs, especially in rural areas, to deliver essential services such as vaccine storage, diagnostics, and emergency care.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between healthcare and energy access.
“This project represents a bold step toward ensuring that our primary healthcare facilities have reliable, sustainable, and uninterrupted energy supply,” Mbah said. “It aligns perfectly with our vision to enhance the quality of life for our people and improve healthcare outcomes.”
The initiative underscores the growing recognition that healthcare challenges cannot be effectively addressed without tackling energy deficits, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Enugu State Leading the Charge
Enugu State has positioned itself as a frontrunner in adopting renewable energy solutions by being the first state to contribute a counterpart fund of N1 billion to the project. This commitment has secured the state a priority position in the implementation of the NISHP, which will electrify over 100 healthcare facilities across five states: Enugu, Ogun, Plateau, Abia, and Akwa Ibom.
Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy for EU Nigeria and ECOWAS lauded Enugu’s proactive approach.
“Enugu is one of the first states that volunteered and made the necessary commitment to become a priority state in the EU intervention,” she said.
Stephanowicz explained that the Solar for Health Project is part of the EU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on health, community development, and sustainable energy.
Solar Energy and the Electricity Act
The Electricity Act 2023 decentralized the energy sector and allowed states to generate and distribute power independently. The Act has opened the door for states to explore innovative solutions to their energy challenges.
Governor Mbah’s administration has already outlined ambitious plans to leverage this newfound autonomy. The deployment of solar energy in healthcare facilities not only addresses immediate health needs but also serves as a model for sustainable energy solutions across other sectors.
“This initiative is not just about powering healthcare facilities; it’s about setting the stage for a more self-reliant and sustainable energy future,” Mbah noted.
EU’s Commitment to Nigeria’s Energy Sector
The Solar for Health Project builds on the EU’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. Between 2008 and 2020, the EU invested €20 million in various energy projects, with an additional €37 million allocated for new energy access programs from 2021 to 2027.
EU Programme Manager for Energy Access, Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, highlighted the transformative potential of such initiatives, assuring that by 2030, over 100 million Nigerians will have access to electricity.
“By providing sustainable solar power to healthcare facilities and surrounding businesses, this project is a game-changer for both health outcomes and economic development,” Ogbemudia said.
The Solar for Health Project is designed with long-term sustainability in mind. In addition to powering PHCs, it will also electrify productive load users such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and telecom towers in the vicinity of the healthcare facilities.
“This means that we are not electrifying only health facilities but also businesses around them,” explained Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholder and Engagement Manager of NISHP.
The project aims to create a ripple effect of economic growth and community development by integrating local businesses into the energy grid. SMEs, which are often hindered by unreliable power supply, will gain a stable source of electricity, enabling them to expand their operations and create jobs.
Some energy experts believe Enugu’s proactive approach serves as a blueprint for other states seeking to harness the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act. They note that with the federal government’s inability to meet the country’s energy demands, state-led initiatives like the Solar for Health Project demonstrate the potential of decentralized energy solutions to address critical developmental challenges.