Sahara Group tasks youths on alternative energy solutions

THE Sahara Power Group has challenged youths to optimally harmonise the abundant alternative energy sources in other to provide sustainable power supply for the economic development of the country.

Indeed, the young inventors at the recently concluded second edition of the ‘Sahara Light Up Nigeria Challenge’ sponsored by the company in Lagos, have proffered alternative and renewable energy sources that have the potential to enhance eco-friendly and sustainable electricity supply in Nigeria.

The spokesperson, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, in a statement said, the competition, a yearly event hosted by Sahara in partnership with ENACTUS Nigeria, seeks to inspire students of higher institutions of learning across the nation to explore opportunities for achieving sustainable power supply within their environment.

He added that the programme also serves as Sahara’s contribution to the growth and development of the Power sector where it has affiliates in the generation and distribution sectors through the Sahara Power Group.

According to him, the 2015 challenge involved the development of simple power models that can reduce production cost and encourage the broad utilization of different energy sources to power communities and schools.

Kaduna Polytechnic’s Renewable Energy Advancement Project (R.E.A.P) emerged the winner in the competition that had impressive projects from 28 schools.

The team created a self-running hydro-power system that runs solely on the kinetic energy of water. The energy produced is stored in a 75-litre enclosed water tank that houses a pump and other materials required to drive generation of electricity. The technology is made from locally modified and recycled parts to ensure that it is environmentally friendly. The development of this project has brought about an alternative to electricity generation for small businesses, a health care center and a school within the impact area of the project.

“We are excited about our performance and want to thank the Sahara Group for giving us a platform to express our abilities. With more support, we believe we can contribute immensely to efforts aimed at improving power supply in Nigeria,” said an ecstatic Gibson Emmmauel, from Kaduna Polytechnic.