…As young innovators say renewable energy can create millions of jobs
By Aliyu Galadima
Nigerian technology firm, Newdigit, has begun installing a clean energy system that provides reliable electricity, medical oxygen and clean water to hospitals in Lagos State.
The initiative, supported by the Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund, is designed to reduce hospitals’ reliance on unstable grid supply and diesel generators.
Mr Derick Nwasor, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newdigit, said this in a statement on Monday.
He said that the company’s “Just Add Water” system combines solar energy with Proton Exchange Membrane ,PEM, technology to produce electricity, oxygen and water onsite.
“Many hospitals face daily power cuts of up to 10 hours, forcing them to rely on polluting diesel generators.
“With Just Add Water, hospitals can power essential equipment, produce oxygen and recover clean water, improving healthcare services”, he said.
The system, already deployed in three hospitals in Lagos, delivers up to 15 kW of continuous electricity, 10–40 litres of medical oxygen daily and a steady supply of water.
“It is expected to serve more than 24,000 patients annually, cut over 150 tonnes of carbon emissions and generate 274 MWh of clean energy in its first year.
Ms Joy Princess, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Newdigit, said the company plans to expand to 1,000 hospitals nationwide by 2030.
The project received a 50,000 dollars grant from the Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund, launched by Sustainable Energy for All ,SEforALL, with support from UK aid under the Transforming Energy Access initiative.
Mr Charlie Knight, Senior Energy Officer at SEforALL, said the project demonstrates how renewable energy can strengthen healthcare delivery in Africa.
“This shows how clean technologies can provide reliable electricity, oxygen and water which could be revolutionary in building resilient health systems”, he said.
Meanwhile, Young Innovators of Nigeria ,YIN, says Africa’s renewable energy potential, if well harnessed, can power inclusive growth, create millions of jobs and position the continent as a global leader in climate action.
Mr Andrew Abu, Chief Executive Officer of YIN, said this in a statement on Monday, in Abuja ahead of its third edition of Technology Ecosystem Dialogue ,TED 2025.
Expected to hold on Sept. 26, Abu said the theme of the TED dialogue would be: `Green Tech and Energy Revolution: Transforming Businesses and Societies in Nigeria.`
“Africa’s renewable energy has the potential to drive inclusive growth, create millions of jobs and position the continent as a global climate leader.
“For Nigerian youths, the green economy is a gateway to innovation, start-ups, agritech, digital infrastructure and energy access.
“TED 2025 is more than a conference, it is a rallying call for young Africans to seize the green energy revolution as a generational opportunity.
“Green Tech is about jobs, resilient businesses and securing Africa’s place in the sustainable digital economy”, Abu said.
He said that discussions at the event would include innovation panels and policy dialogues on energy access, artificial intelligence and blockchain in energy sector, and youth-driven green innovation.
He further said in partnership with Rural Electrification Agency ,REA, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure the organisation would hold a national innovation Hackathon on energy.
Abu urged stakeholders, investors, technology enthusiasts and experts to participate in the dialogue, describing it as a defining moment for Africa’s sustainable energy future.
The event would be hosted in collaboration with REA and the National Assembly Committee on Renewable Energy.
TED is a flagship programme of YIN that brings together technology leaders, government officials and innovators to discuss challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s digital and energy ecosystem.
