Across Nigeria, the relentless hum of generators serves as the ubiquitous soundtrack to my daily life. This persistent background noise is not merely an inconvenience but a stark reminder of our nation’s overreliance on these machines for power.
From bustling cities to remote villages, the familiar sound of a diesel generator cuts through every conversation, invades every quiet moment, and shapes every thought and feeling.
On any given day, the obnoxious hum – the type that travels through every cell in your body – is inescapable. Even if a business or household has its own solar panels, many generators purchased before the new noise level requirements came into effect remain in use, meaning the din is faintly audible at all hours. Generators have become so ingrained in daily life that many of us in Nigeria have grown apathetic to it. However, as a society, we shouldn’t forget the significant toll they have on our wallets, health and peace of mind.
The impact of generator overreliance has much darker implications than just annoyance alone. Right now, many cities and towns in Nigeria are experiencing a major public health crisis due to the constant use of personal generators. In 2018, a study conducted by the World Bank in Lagos revealed that generators were the third largest contributor to air pollution, behind transport and industrial emissions. This pollution resulted in over 11,200 premature deaths, with children under five being the most affected. The same study also highlighted that air pollution led to $2.1 billion in losses within a single year due to illness and premature death. West Africa’s dependence on diesel generators is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
I’m extremely proud of our work at WATT Renewable Corporation, where we are passionately committed to changing this narrative. Our innovative hybrid-solar solutions are designed to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy alternatives to diesel generators.
By harnessing the power of the sun, we’re cutting down on the environmental and health impacts associated with diesel dependence, while also boosting sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond. Take the telecoms sector as just one example: our hybrid solar solutions are successfully integrated into the energy mix for telecom towers, displacing 14,200 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, our solutions save 1.4 million litres of diesel each year. This switch to solar isn’t just good for business; it’s making a huge difference in improving air quality, extinguishing smog-filled skies and giving communities a breath of fresh air.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that is not only addressing a critical problem but also pioneering the way toward Africa hitting ‘skip’ on the relentless, droning soundtrack of diesel generators, instead tuning into a new symphony powered by renewable energy. It’s time for a change of tune – one that promises cleaner air, healthier lives, and a more sustainable future for all.