In a strategic move to address escalating electricity costs and promote sustainable energy, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is nearing the completion of a 10.67 megawatt (MW) solar farm. The development was announced through the official social media handle of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill.
Prof. Georgewill explained that the solar farm is part of a Federal Government intervention under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He revealed that the project is already at its final stages of construction and is aimed at enhancing the university’s energy independence. “Power solutions for the University of Port Harcourt: as Band A costs for power escalate, the Solar farm aimed at providing about 10.67mw for the University of Port Harcourt… is at finishing stages,” the Vice-Chancellor stated in the post.
During a recent inspection visit to the construction site, Prof. Georgewill commended the project team for their efforts. “We visited the construction site and commended the team for their dedication and commitment on timely delivery of the project,” he added.
Photographs shared from the visit showed the Vice-Chancellor alongside engineers and supervisors walking between rows of newly installed solar panels. The site, spanning a considerable area within the university, reflects major progress toward providing a reliable and affordable energy source for the campus community.
Once completed, the solar farm is expected to significantly reduce the University of Port Harcourt’s reliance on the national electricity grid, a move considered critical in light of Nigeria’s new Band A electricity tariffs.
Recall that Starreporters had reported that Band A customers, including universities and other large institutions, are billed at premium rates in exchange for 20–24 hours of daily electricity supply.
Consequently, the University of Port Harcourt’s venture into renewable energy represents a broader commitment to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.