In rural areas of northern Nigeria, many communities face significant challenges due to unreliable electricity. These regions are often disconnected from the national power grid, making it difficult to access essential services like healthcare. A team of Nigerian researchers, however, is working on an innovative solution to this problem: wind turbines that can generate power even when wind speeds are low.
The energy situation in Nigeria is largely dominated by fossil fuels, which supply most of the country’s power. However, there is great potential for wind energy in Nigeria. Wind power is not only cost-effective but also sustainable. According to the International Energy Agency, it represents one of the most promising options for renewable energy growth in the country.
A key figure in this innovation is Abdulsalam Galadima, a researcher from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, located in Nigeria’s Kaduna State. Galadima and his team have developed a new type of wind turbine, called AirVolt, which uses vertical-axis technology. Unlike most traditional wind turbines that rely on horizontal axes and need to face the wind directly, AirVolt’s vertical-axis turbines can capture wind from any direction. This makes them more stable, easier to install, and maintain, especially in areas where wind speeds are inconsistent.
This design is particularly suited to the challenges of northern Nigeria, where wind conditions can be unpredictable. By harnessing wind energy in this way, the turbines can generate electricity more reliably, even in regions with lower wind speeds. The process works when wind interacts with blades attached to a vertical rotor, causing it to spin and generate kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is then converted into electricity by a generator, providing a dependable and renewable power source.
The lack of reliable electricity in rural northern Nigeria has severe consequences, particularly in the health sector. Healthcare facilities in these areas often struggle to store vaccines, operate essential medical equipment, and provide consistent care to patients. The power shortages contribute to higher mortality rates, especially among vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
Galadima emphasized the difficulties these communities face due to being cut off from the national grid, largely because of the challenging terrain. The AirVolt turbines could help alleviate some of these issues by providing a consistent source of electricity, enabling healthcare facilities to function more effectively.
The AirVolt project was developed in February 2024 and has already gained significant recognition. It was one of four innovations awarded a $250,000 grant by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) on June 24, 2024. This initiative supports research and development across Africa, helping to bring innovative solutions like AirVolt from the laboratory to the market.
The grant was secured after the team’s success at the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative earlier in the year. Organized by Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), R4i aims to empower researchers to turn their findings into practical solutions for real-world problems. The initiative also provides guidance on how to commercialize these innovations, ensuring they have a tangible impact on society.
Galadima highlighted the importance of the SGCI grant in overcoming the financial barriers that often prevent research projects from reaching the market. With this support, the AirVolt team aims to develop their project into a commercially viable product by the end of 2024. Their goal is to provide a reliable source of electricity to rural communities, particularly those in need of better healthcare infrastructure.
However, there is still a need for more financial backing to ensure that research and innovation in Nigeria can contribute meaningfully to the economy. As Nicholas Odongo, a research fellow at the African Center for Technology Studies in Nairobi, Kenya, pointed out, the application of science and technology in African economies remains low, and more support is needed to bridge this gap.
The AirVolt wind turbine represents a promising step towards addressing power shortages in rural Nigeria. By providing a stable and renewable source of electricity, this innovation has the potential to transform the lives of many, particularly in the healthcare sector.
