Institute Proffers Solution To Energy Problem

The Director-General, Na
tional Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Prof Idris Bugaje, has said the application of the mini-grid concept would solve Nigeria’s perennial electricity supply problems.
Bugaje said this in a paper entitled “Chemical Engineering: Looking Beyond Oil and Gas”, presented at the launch of a publication, “Reactor Magazine” at the main campus of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The magazine was published by the Chemical Engineering Department of the university.
“The solution lies in the mini-grid powered by renewable energy in the range of between 0.1 and 2.0MW.
‘You do not require a license to generate up to 1MW, which is sufficient for most villages, hospitals and schools.
“The mini-grid solar PV system comprises of a solar PV array (group of PV modules), battery bank, control unit (with inverter if needed), distribution lines and loads,” he said.
The professor said the mini-grid can stand alone or be operated in such a way that excess power generated could be fed to the national grid.
Reviewing the magazine, Dr Diya’uddeen Hassan of NARICT, said the publication was comprehensive and generally covered a wide variety of topics.
“The magazine will surely equip readers with a sound basic understanding of the field; it will definitely make an excellent foundation for chemical engineers.”
Hassan described chemical engineering as an active and exciting area for research and practical application.
He said much of the progress in the field had been driven by technological advances in various arms of the discipline.