The European Union (EU) and the Enugu State Government have embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of the N3.33 billion Solar for Health Project, designed to electrify 25 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state. This initiative is part of the broader Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP), targeting sustainable energy solutions for improved healthcare delivery.
Addressing Energy Deficits in Healthcare
The Solar for Health Project aims to provide 24-hour reliable electricity to PHCs, addressing decades-long issues of:
- Power outages limiting vaccine storage, diagnostics, and emergency care.
- Energy deficiencies in rural and underserved communities.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the project’s alignment with the administration’s goals:
“This project represents a bold step toward ensuring that our primary healthcare facilities have reliable, sustainable, and uninterrupted energy supply.”
Enugu State: A Trailblazer in Renewable Energy
Enugu State has taken a leadership role by contributing a counterpart fund of N1 billion, securing priority implementation status in the NISHP. Over 100 healthcare facilities across five states, including Enugu, Ogun, Plateau, Abia, and Akwa Ibom, will benefit from this program.
Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy for EU Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised Enugu’s commitment:
“Enugu is one of the first states that volunteered and made the necessary commitment to become a priority state in the EU intervention.”
The Broader Context: Electricity Act 2023
The Electricity Act 2023 decentralized Nigeria’s energy sector, empowering states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. This shift has spurred innovative projects like the Solar for Health initiative.
Governor Mbah’s administration plans to leverage this autonomy to:
- Expand renewable energy projects.
- Pioneer sustainable energy models in healthcare and beyond.
“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 stated.
EU’s Long-standing Commitment to Nigeria
The EU has been a key player in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, investing €20 million between 2008 and 2020, with an additional €37 million earmarked for 2021–2027.
According to Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, EU Programme Manager for Energy Access:
“By providing sustainable solar power to healthcare facilities and surrounding businesses, this project is a game-changer for both health outcomes and economic development.”
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond healthcare, the Solar for Health Project aims to electrify small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and telecom towers near PHCs, creating a ripple effect of economic growth.
Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholder and Engagement Manager of NISHP, explained:
“We are not electrifying only health facilities but also businesses around them.”
This initiative will:
- Boost SME productivity through reliable power.
- Create jobs and drive economic development.
The Solar for Health Project exemplifies how state-led initiatives, bolstered by international partnerships, can address critical developmental challenges. Enugu State’s proactive approach offers a blueprint for other states to harness the opportunities of decentralized energy solutions, paving the way for improved healthcare, economic growth, and energy independence.
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