The morning sun shines on the lagoon next to the University of Lagos in Nigeria, causing golden ripples on the water surface. For this century old university, this tranquil water area is about to usher in an energy revolution - the 7MW floating water photovoltaic power station constructed by China Civil Engineering Group Co., Ltd. is about to take root and sprout here. In the future, thousands of solar panels will spread out like a "lotus pond on water", bringing stable and clean electricity to campuses and painting a sustainable development picture of blue-green integration for the land of West Africa.

Borrowing light from water, solving the dual problems of land and energy

The project is located on the surface of a lagoon surrounding the campus of the University of Lagos, fully utilizing the spatial resources of the water body and achieving "dual-use", saving valuable land. Water photovoltaics can not only directly provide clean electricity for campuses, reduce dependence on traditional unstable power grids and long-term energy costs, but also reduce water evaporation, inhibit algal growth, and bring additional ecological benefits. This clever design is a microcosm of China's civil engineering transformation from traditional infrastructure to a dual wheel drive of "infrastructure+new energy".

From Abuja to Lagos, China's green footprint runs through West Africa

The green practices of Chinese civil engineering in Nigeria have already taken root and sprouted. The previously constructed solar lighting project in Abuja has brought tangible green light to the local community; In projects such as the tax headquarters office building, the concept of energy conservation and environmental protection has also been deeply integrated. These projects are linked together to outline a clear path for Chinese enterprises to use innovative engineering to support global sustainable development, and have become a vivid footnote to China Africa cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting green transformation.

How can the first water-based photovoltaic illuminate Nigeria's future?

As Nigeria's first water-based photovoltaic power station, this project has significant demonstration and benchmark significance. It is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a transmission of development concepts - empowering education, improving people's livelihoods, and protecting the ecology through clean energy, providing replicable examples for the promotion of renewable energy in Nigeria and even the entire Africa. Keywords: new energy news, the Belt and Road information, water photovoltaic

Under the framework of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, China is working with other countries to move towards a low-carbon and sustainable future with practical engineering projects.Editor/Yang Meiling