A Nigerian Jamilu Muhammed in a bid to solve the epileptic power supply that has bedeviled Nigeria has invented a Wind Turbine Generator, an alternative power generation source, that powers the homes of poor Nigerians.
“Wind turbine fit power AC, fridge, water pumping machine and anything else. Wind turbine is when there’s powerful wind, it can turn the blade and generate electricity,” Muhammed told BBC Pidgin.
He added in the interview that the materials he uses for the design of the generator are sourced locally. “The material wey I dey use na magnet and coil. The way I dey get my materials na locally,” he said.
In Nigeria, solar panels, don’t come easy, while it’s a great alternative source of power supply, they are expensive, making it elitist and out of the reach of the poor, however, as explained by Muhammed, wind turbine is an alternative that won’t open a hole in the pockets of Nigeria. He added that a wind turbine is much a better option because according to him wind turbine has the ability to generate a 24/7 power supply as wind which powers the turbine blows at any time.
“E no get specific time wey be breeze no dey and when the breeze dey, everytime you go dey get light,” he added.
Jamilu who started designing, researching, and building wind turbines ten years ago acknowledges that before now, it took him a week to design a wind turbine, however, now, he designs three or more in a day.
Jamilu Mohammed’s innovation is proving to be handy as Nigerians grapple with electricity supply. Wind turbines offer a promising alternative for power generation in Nigeria, addressing the country’s growing energy needs and diversifying its energy mix. With abundant wind resources in various regions, especially in the northern and coastal areas, harnessing wind energy can contribute significantly to the power grid.
Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical power, which is then transformed into electrical power. This renewable energy source provides a clean and sustainable option, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impact.
The implementation of wind energy projects in Nigeria could enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Embracing wind power aligns with global efforts to transition towards greener and more sustainable energy solutions, making it a crucial element in Nigeria’s pursuit of a resilient and diversified energy infrastructure.
