While speaking on the need to upgrade utility infrastructure in Nigeria, Engr. Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of the Power Division at PPC Limited, observed that the poor maintenance and huge costs required to power the existing street lights in the country had resulted in many being non-functional.

According to him, this is because many of the street lights were designed with outdated technologies such as incandescent bulbs and other obsolete components.

Onuigbo said smart streetlights perform multiple functions, are solar-powered to reduce energy consumption and have motion sensors that allow for more efficient lighting.

Highlighting other benefits of smart lighting, Onuigbo said “Smart lighting scan be used to discourage crime by providing an increased level of security in areas that are dimly lit. They can be used to detect human traffic, which can help reduce congestion and improve air quality.

“Smart lighting can also be used to monitor air quality by providing real-time data on local air quality levels. This data can be used to inform public health decisions in areas with poor air quality.”

“Smart street lighting utilises high-tech sensors and controls to adjust lighting levels based on environmental conditions, motion, and other inputs. PPC believes that smart street lighting is an important tool for improving safety in urban areas.”

He also pointed out the need for regular repairs and maintenance of street lights in the country to keep the highways and major roads safe and secure for commuters and residents alike.

In order to ensure road safety and crime reduction, he called for a conversion of traditional lighting infrastructure to smart street lighting.

PPC is committed to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps, through meaningful partnerships and investment in advanced technologies.

With intensified efforts by the Nigerian government to reduce the economy’s dependence on fossil fuel by introducing new energy sources, Engr Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of Power Division at PPC, says the transition to clean energy will bring immense economic and climate benefits to Nigeria and the African continent at large.

Commenting on the potential of renewable energy sources in Nigeria, he emphasized that the adoption of clean energy will accelerate the attainment of net zero emission while boosting revenue, promoting energy security and the overall quality of life of Nigerians.

The Nigerian government has expressed commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, ending energy poverty, lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, driving economic growth, and ensuring universal access to modern energy services.

With the right investment in renewable energy, Onuigbo said Africa’s biggest economy could transition seamlessly from its over-reliance on crude oil to solar, natural gas or wind.

He added that the deployment of renewable energy for electricity generation, transportation, agriculture and for industrial energy consumption will help the country meets its target of reducing greenhouse gases by 20% unconditionally, and 47% conditionally by the year 2030.

Engr. Onuigbo said, “As Nigeria’s energy needs continue to grow, renewable sources of energy can play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s energy needs. We must collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that we have the right mix of energy sources. Renewable energy is a key component of this mix, and it is important that we make the right investments at this time.”

“With the electricity demand expected to increase in the coming years, there is need for rapid expansion of renewable electricity infrastructure such as solar farms, solar tracking and monitoring systems as well as with energy storage systems.”

According to him, solar energy affords functional versatility and can be used for a variety of purposes, including powering electric vehicles as well as powering heating and cooling systems for buildings.

He added that solar energy has been proven to produce significantly higher cost savings in comparison to conventional energy sources.

He also noted that the widespread availability of sunshine in the country is a great energy resource.

PPC is a market leader in the procurement, installation, commissioning and maintenance of renewable infrastructure. With a track record spanning over 25 years, PPC has assisted a diversified portfolio of companies across diverse industries to develop hybrid renewable energy systems to power their operations.

While commenting on the frequent collapse of the national power grid, the attendant blackouts and its disruption of business activities, Dr Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of Power Division at PPC, advised businesses to look into cost-effective alternative power solutions for uninterrupted power supply.

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He noted that even though solar panel installation and its storage systems have become more affordable, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels have not diminished in any way but improved with constant research and innovation.

As part of the global decarbonization and energy transition drive, the Nigerian government has demonstrated commitment by commissioning off-grid electricity projects that will ensure all Nigerians have uninterrupted electricity through investment in solar-powered mini-grids.

The Federal Government is implementing different initiatives targeted at achieving at least 30,000MW generation by 2030 with 30 per cent from renewable energy sources.

The energy expert commended the Federal Government for providing robust incentive programmes that ensured corporations and government facilities enjoy stable electricity through off-grid energy sources.

Onuigbo said, “It’s important for energy access to keep pace with population growth in the country. This is why we are advocating for increased investment in off-grid alternative energy solutions that provide stable electricity in the event of natural disasters or power outages. We are proud to be at the forefront of the drive for renewable energy in view of the climate change realities and the frequent collapse of the national grid.”

“The one-time investment and low maintenance of solar installations make it an affordable and preferable alternative power option for businesses and households. Constant electricity is key to survival of businesses and that is why PPC is committed to supporting organizations in bridging the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s power sector.”

According to him, rapid advances in technology and available financing facilities has encouraged manufacturers to invest in expanding their production capacity, which has lowered the cost of solar panels.

He explained that solar panels can generate major utility savings for businesses that are considering reducing electricity costs, carbon emissions, or both.

PPC is dedicated to ensuring equitable electricity access in Nigeria and has over the years invested in grid infrastructure as well as affordable renewable energy solutions.