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Solar energy is the answer
Solar energy is the answer
OKAY UGWA
THE
Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia defines solar energy as the radiant energy
from the sun, transformed into work potential by thermal, photochemical or
electrical process.
The Standard Dictionary
(international edition) stated that solar energy is that energy radiated by the
sun, the primary source of chemical and other forms of energy, but utilized
directly in the only minor applications.
It would be recalled that Michael
Faraday (1791-1867) was a British famous chemist and experimenter. His greatest
achievements were in the realm of electricity and magnetism. His discovery of
electric-magnetic induction, which is the principle of the dynamo, many
believed, revolutionized the socio-economic life of mankind especially during
the industrial revolution. Thereafter, Thomas A. Edison, an American (1847 -
1931), gave effect to the present day improved electric light bulbs for homes
and offices. He then went ahead to produce a complete system for lighting a
town. It is strongly believed that he equally invented or improved generators,
motors, safety fuses and underground cables. The generation of electric power
requires three major steps, viz generations, transmission and distribution of
the end users.
It is very disheartening to note
that over 40 years after the discovery of petroleum and gas by Shell B.P at
Olobirir, Bayelsa State, Nigerians are still wallowing in abject poverty. Hence
our inability to break the cycle of poverty inherent in us. For, if the price of
the petrol is not contentious, the commodity is scarce. Or stolen petroleum in
big tankers disappears in the "Gulf of Benin Triangle". Unfortunately
its enormous gas, since 1956 is flared to the consternation of its nationals.
Above all, it is grossly under -
utilized, to the diriment of its nationals. There is also that perennial
shedding of light by the almighty NEPA, that many television viewers are unable
to listen to or watch the president’s activities/speeches and sporting
activities (local and international). Factories and industries (Small, Medium
and high) work at less than 30% capacity. Thus, Nigeria has become the dumping
ground for all sheades of generators with their deafening noise of sorts.
Coincidentally, nobody bothers about the adverse effects of irritating noise and
emission of the lethal carbon monoxide. The end is not yet in sight. Most often
when NEPA light comes, its illumination is less than that of five candle lights.
Only recently, the federal
government had signed a contract worth over NGN 700 billion to activate some of
our present antiquated, moribund generating power stations. What a colossal
waste, many posited. Another four in the South West are in the pipe line for
reactivation.
Hence, there is this unending
quest for alternative sources of energy by most of the defenseless Nigerians.
Some have genuinely and sincerely agitated for a turbine operated type of
energy. Some others, the biogas type as exemplified by the Chinese. Some others,
out of unending frustration are angling for the return of the old abandoned coal
generated/steam engine powered energy.
Surprisingly, not much has been
said of the solar energy, the latest in the market. Yet, Nigeria, like most
African countries, enjoy 365 days of continuous sunlight every year, freely
given by God as a divine gift. Unfortunately, while most countries in the
temperate regions, with less than 90 days of sun shine, graciously enjoy the
comfort of a solar packed energy, Nigerians continue to experience perpetual
darkness. Yet the period of the dark ages ended many centuries ago.
From statistical data, solar
energy is not only abundant, but most reliable and dependable. It is
comparatively cheap to install, operate and maintain. If we now operate this
system, our socio economic liberation will quickly follow our first political
independence liberation of 1960. The general belief is that with the advent of
electricity, courtesy of Faraday and Edison, many well meaning countries have
advanced tremendously in science, technology, industrialization and
socio-economic emancipation. This is not the case with Nigeria.
The good news is that the
effective use of the solar energy as an alternative source of electricity is
very much is place in Isuikwuato Local Government, Abia State. It is the first
of its kind in the entire southern states. For the people of Amaba town, in
collaboration with the Abia State Agency for Community - Based Poverty Reduction
Project (ABCPRP), installed a solar energy in December 2003 as its only source
of electricity for powering in over 500 meters deep of water bore-hole in a
stony environment.
If therefore the state
government, nay, the Federal government in, its honest quest to improve on the
socio-economic life of its rural dwellers, budgets about N500 million on the
installation of solar energy in each of the 774 local government areas the
exercise would be completed within two months at a relatively cheaper rate. The
entire country would be electrified, and saved the costly dependence on NEPA
hamstrung with the existing dilapidated power stations in the country, etc. The
present drift to the city by the youth would be curbed. The general belief is
that while Africa sleeps, especially Nigeria the giant of Africa, on the
development of its manpower and material resources, many advanced countries,
irrespective of their climatic conditions, are fast discarding their antiquated
coal; steam, thermal, petroleum and even the much fantied turbine gas generating
power stations for solar energy system. For instance, the Americans are
currently powering their international space station with solar energy.
Australia which is near the Antarctica region, is using its 200 megawatts of
electricity generated from solar energy to comfortably electrify about 2000 (two
thousand) homes. Yet it enjoys the free sun for less than 75 days in a year.
To this end, many concerned
citizens strongly advocate that it is now most appropriate for the federal
government under the auspices of Ministry of Science and Technology: to motivate
its scientists/technologists/researchers to build on what their predecessors
have since discovered. We should stop living in the past, "sharing loaves
of bread and fishes". Let us now strive more than ever before to restor the
past glory of Africa in scientific discoveries. Let there be a re-birth. Yes,
national consciousness, patriotism and the explosion of the latent scientific
renaissance/potential inherent in us. The introduction of solar energy will
definitely wipe away our tears in the permanent generation of dependable
electricity for our homes, offices and rural industries. All we require is the
political will to make our nationals live in great comfort.
•Chief Ugwa, JP, lives in Umuahia, Abia State.
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