Nigeria has taken a notable step in its energy transition with the launch of its first floating solar power project, a 7-megawatt facility awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The project represents a shift toward alternative energy solutions that combine innovation with infrastructure efficiency.
The floating solar installation is designed to supply clean and reliable electricity to the University of Lagos. Once fully operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the institution’s dependence on diesel-powered generators and the national grid, both of which have become increasingly expensive and unreliable. For a university of UNILAG’s scale, consistent power supply is critical to academic activities, research facilities, and campus operations.
Floating solar technology deploys photovoltaic panels on water bodies rather than land. This approach offers multiple advantages. It preserves valuable land for other uses, reduces evaporation on water surfaces, and improves panel efficiency due to the natural cooling effect of water. These benefits make floating solar particularly attractive in densely populated or land-constrained environments.
The project comes at a time when UNILAG’s energy costs have risen sharply, driven by fuel price volatility and broader pressures on the national power system. By transitioning part of its energy needs to solar power, the university is positioned to cut long-term operating expenses while improving electricity stability. The shift also aligns with sustainability goals and reduces the institution’s carbon footprint.
Beyond its immediate impact on UNILAG, the project carries wider significance for Nigeria’s energy sector. It serves as a pilot for floating solar adoption and demonstrates how public institutions can integrate renewable energy into large-scale operations. If successful, the model could be replicated across other universities, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure located near suitable water bodies.
The commissioning of this 7-megawatt floating solar facility signals a practical move toward diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix. It reflects growing recognition that reliable power, cost control, and environmental responsibility must advance together, particularly for institutions that sit at the centre of national development.
