The Management of the University of Calabar has been called upon to consider setting up a Department of Renewable Energy in the institution.

The Zonal Coordinator, South-South of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr Rose Ekpenyong and the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy in Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams raised the need for such a pivotal department when they embarked on a visit to the Unical Solar Farm to assess the progress of work at the site.

The duo said that they were considering the local content provisional challenge which would require a solid structure, trained personnel and possibly local production of the panels to guarantee the durability of the project

They further expressed confidence that with the availability and proper utilization of renewable energy sources like wind power, solar power, bio-energy and hydroelectric, the institution will be better positioned to sustain the project even after the foreign partners have gone.

Speaking further, the Zonal Coordinator, South-South of the REA, Engr. Rose Ekpenyong reiterated the mandate of the President to the agency which is to provide electricity to communities that do not have light

Engr. Ekpenyong expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the inclusion of the University of Calabar in this early phase of the light provision scheme

 

She lauded the professional output of the engineers at the site and assured that between August and September 2024, solar light supply to the University will commence.

In a separate remark, the Cross River State Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Wiliams observed that the 7 megawatt Solar Farm was a huge project so far handled with commendable professionalism.

He reiterated that local content should be adhered to, and the farm should be a training ground for engineers in renewable energy.

In his brief, the Lead Resident Engineer, Engr. Ekop Stephen stated that the project was 90% completed and that test running of the equipment would commence before September 2024.

Engr. Ekop Stephen disclosed that some students of the engineering Dept had been trained solely for the project and was quick to inform that the selected students have demonstrated their involvement thus far by mounting the solar panels.

In her response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi commended the Federal Government, the leadership of REA, and the contractor, as well as, all the engineers on site for working harmoniously towards enforcing an era of seamless light supply in the University.

Prof. Florence Obi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Nta, also thanked the Lead Resident Engineer and REA for offering to train the selected students on the electrical and mechanical components of the Solar package.