The Abia State Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU), is rolling out a €2.6 million renewable energy project aimed at powering healthcare facilities with solar energy.

This initiative, dubbed the Solar for Health Project, will provide clean, stable electricity to at least nine health centres across the state, with plans to extend supply to nearby businesses to promote sustainability.

Speaking at a press briefing in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, stated, “Abia is one of six states selected for this project, having met all eligibility requirements.”

He disclosed that the EU will contribute over €2 million to the project, while Abia will provide more than €624,000 as counterpart funding.

The solar systems will have a combined capacity of 500 kilowatts, supported by battery storage to ensure reliability even during the rainy season.“It’s not just about the health centres—the goal is to ensure sustainability by also supporting productive users like shops around these centres,” Monday added.

Each installation will include metering systems and small service charges to help maintain operations. Over 50 staff from the state’s Ministries of Power and Health have already been trained to manage the systems, and energy audits are underway at the target facilities.

The commissioner emphasized the socio-economic benefits of the project, saying, “Reliable energy supply is critical for development, especially in healthcare delivery.”

In addition to the solar initiative, Monday revealed that the government is in advanced talks to acquire a controlling stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company’s (EEDC) assets within Abia.

“We’ve completed due diligence and made our first offer. Negotiations are ongoing,” he said.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, confirmed that Abia has bid for a 60% stake in EEDC’s interstate electricity assets, a move aimed at expanding electricity access beyond Aba, especially in Umuahia and Abia North.