The Abia State Government, together with the European Union (EU), is set to spend over €2.6 million on Solar for Health Programme, to power healthcare facilities, which aims to promote renewable energy across the state.
Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, in his speech revealed that Abia was one of six states selected to benefit from the Solar for Health programme, having met all eligibility requirements.
He said that the initiative, led by the EU, aims to use renewable energy to power health facilities and productive users around those facilities.
He stressed that the EU will provide over €2 million for the project, while Abia State will contribute more than €624,000 as counterpart funding.
According to the Commissioner, the project will have a total capacity of 500 kilowatts, which will be distributed across at least 9 health facilities in the state.
He added that the initiative is not limited to health centres alone, as there are plans to extend the power supply to nearby businesses, such as shops, to promote sustainability and business solutions. According to him it’s not just about the health centres, the goal is to ensure sustainability by also supporting productive users.
Monday explained that each installation would feature metering systems, with small service charges introduced to support ongoing operations and maintenance.
On its sustainability, he explained that to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, especially during periods of low solar output like the rainy season, the systems will be equipped with battery storage technology.
“Multiple energy sources are also being considered in the system’s design,” he added.
He noted that more than 50 personnel from the State Ministries of Power and Health have already received training on the operation and maintenance of solar systems.
He added that energy audits are currently being carried out at the selected health facilities to determine the most effective deployment strategies.
The commissioner emphasized that the Solar for Health project is a timely initiative, highlighting that a reliable energy supply is essential for driving socio-economic development in the state.
Monday also provided updates on broader efforts to improve electricity access across the state, especially 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 said.
He disclosed 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 finalized,” he said.
On plans to acquire EEDC’s interstate electricity assets the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, confirmed that the state had submitted a bid to acquire a 60 per cent stake in EEDC’s interstate electricity assets within Abia.
He further mentioned that negotiations for the acquisition have reached an advanced stage.
