The United Nations has launched a solar energy project at the UN House in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote clean energy and strengthen sustainable power use across the country. The initiative is intended to reduce operational power costs, cut carbon emissions and demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy technologies.
The project was unveiled during the launch of Phase I of the “Greening of the UN House” programme. Speaking at the event, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the initiative highlights the organisation’s determination to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel-based power to renewable energy solutions.
The installation includes a 400-kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic microgrid, with the capacity to be expanded to 700 kilowatts in the future. It is supported by a 650-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery storage system that helps ensure stable power supply. The facility also incorporates artificial intelligence-based energy management and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring systems, enabling real-time supervision of electricity production and consumption.
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Potential in renewable energy
According to the UN, the solar installation is expected to cut electricity expenses at the Abuja complex by about 40%. It will also lower reliance on grid power by close to one million kilowatt-hours each year and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 300 tonnes annually. Fall noted that the project supports Nigeria’s climate goals and is in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023. He also pointed out that Nigeria has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, adding that dependable electricity is essential for economic activity, productivity and social development.
The project was implemented with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme and involved collaboration among several UN agencies operating from the Abuja facility. Plans for a second phase are already being prepared, which will increase the solar capacity toward 700 kilowatts and move the UN House closer to operating largely on clean energy.
Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, described the initiative as a practical example of the economic and environmental value of renewable energy, noting that Nigeria will require about US $23bn to extend electricity access to underserved communities. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, represented at the event by Permanent Secretary Mahmuda Mamman, said the project complements the country’s broader energy transition strategy. Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage wider adoption of environmentally friendly energy solutions across Nigeria.
