FG to Save N270m from Newly Installed 1.52MW Solar Grid, Says Fashola
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the newly installed 1.52MW solar microgrid power system at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja and the adjoining ministry of the environment, will save the federal government N270.9 million in overheads.
In addition, the minister, who spoke at the inauguration of the project in Mabushi, explained that it would further reduce the average diesel consumption by both ministries from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres every year.
At the event which was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who stood in for President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed, Fashola stated that the power system will ensure constant electricity supply to the beneficiaries, outside of the national grid.
He recalled that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2019, at a time the ministry of power was part of works and housing, explaining that it is expected that the 1.52MW solar system will provide uninterrupted power supply to five blocks housing the two ministries.
In addition, he stated that the project employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration, in fulfilment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs.
“It would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum and cost saving of NGN270,945,000 over 20 years and contribute towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.
“It has led to the upgrade and retrofitting of our electrical appliances by replacing 400 old Air-conditioning units with 400 new inverter-based energy efficient air-conditioning units and replacing 2600 old light fittings with energy efficient LED ones all of which are energy saving because they consume 40 per cent less energy,” the minister stressed.