The United Nations has advanced its clean energy drive in Nigeria by unveiling a solar power project designed to reduce electricity costs, cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy use.

UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, made this known during the switch-on ceremony of Phase I of the Greening of the UN House project, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the initiative marked a step toward renewable energy adoption within the UN system.

Mr Fall said the solarisation project demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, andd that it aligned with global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“In a few moments, with the flip of a switch, this building will begin running on sunlight.

“This is more than a technical milestone; it is a statement that the future of energy is already here,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria holds enormous renewable energy potential, particularly through solar power, noting that reliable electricity remains critical for economic growth, productivity and social development.

He said the UN was proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand renewable energy in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the country’s climate commitments.

Mr Fall added that Phase I of the project included “a 400 kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic microgrid, expandable to 700 kilowatts, alongside 650 kilowatt-hours of lithium-ion battery storage to provide energy resilience.”

He said the system also features artificial intelligence driven energy management and Internet of Things digital monitoring to optimise power use and track system performance in real time.

The UN official explained that the solar installation would reduce annual electricity costs for the UN House by about 40 per cent, translating to savings of between 173 million naira and 216 million naira annually.

He added that the project would also cut grid electricity consumption by nearly one million kilowatt hours each year and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 300 tonnes annually.

Mr Fall also said that the initiative reflected collaboration among various UN agencies operating within the common premises, and was implemented with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme.

Mr Fall further said the UN planned to expand the initiative under Phase II, which will increase solar capacity toward 700 kilowatts and further reduce reliance on conventional grid power.

According to him, the long-term goal is to move the facility toward near complete clean energy autonomy, while encouraging similar projects across institutions in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, commended the UN for demonstrating that renewable energy solutions were both practical and economically viable.

Mr Aliyu noted that Nigeria required an estimated 23 billion U.S dollars to electrify underserved and unserved communities across the country using the most cost effective approaches.

He said that initiatives, such as the UN solar project helped to demonstrate how clean energy can support socio-economic development and improve electricity access.

Also speaking, the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the project aligned with Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy and modernise the power sector.

Mr Adelabu, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, also reaffirmed that the federal government remained committed to strengthening partnerships with development organisations to expand clean energy access nationwide.

“We recognise that a diversified energy mix, anchored on a renewable energy solution, is essential for long-term energy security,” he said.

Similarly, the minister of environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the initiative as an important step toward addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Mr Lawal said Nigeria must continue to adopt environmentally friendly energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet for future generations.

He expressed optimism that the project would inspire other institutions and organisations to adopt renewable energy technologies.

(NAN)