Electricity crisis: Energy expert urges govt to adopt solar power

By Najeeb Sani, Bauchi

A solar energy expert, Engr. Abubakar Yusha’u Adamu, has advised the northern state governments and the federal government to embrace solar and wind energy as alternative sources to address the country’s persistent power crisis.

Speaking with our correspondent in Futuk, Alkaleri local area of Bauchi State where he is supervising a project for the provision of solar power for the entire community, Engr. Adamu said solar power "is more cost-effective and reliable than the national grid", which relies largely on hydropower.

“We are advising government, particularly down north here, to look at the possibility of using solar energy or wind as alternative to hydro power as national grid.

"They are 100 percent reliable, more reliable than the national grid of hydropower,” he said.

The expert noted that solar energy is already being deployed in Bauchi State, citing the Yankari Games Reserve where solar power is now used as the main source of electricity.

He urged the government to adopt it to boost business activities.

He described power as “the lifeline of every business” and said solar energy is smart, renewable and cost-effective.

According to him, solar can provide uninterrupted power supply if properly harnessed.

Engr. Adamu further disclosed that even the Presidential Villa is transitioning to solar power, arguing that if the seat of government can adopt it, other parts of the nation should follow suit.

“If the villa would opt for it, why not the whole nation since we are unable to solve our hydropower problem for years,” he stressed.

He called on northern state governments to invest in solar and wind infrastructure to boost energy access, support businesses and reduce dependence on the "unreliable national grid".