Solar-powered Yoruba king's palace aims to bring electricity to the local community
Solar-Powered Palace and Digital Cowry System Transform Owu Kingdom
In the heart of Ogun State, Nigeria, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola, is spearheading a transformative project: a solar-powered palace in Abeokuta. This innovative initiative is not just a statement of modern royalty, but a bold move towards sustainable energy and community empowerment [1][2].
The solar-powered palace, currently in its first phase with a 50kVA system, is set to expand to a 120kVA capacity by October. This expansion will generate surplus electricity, which will be distributed to community services, potentially stabilising local electricity access, independent of the unstable national grid [1][2].
Inside the palace, each space runs on solar energy, powering 18 offices, a residential quarters for the royal family, and four staff quarters. The palace consumes about 40kVA when fully operational but averages around 25-30kVA. The excess capacity left in the system is used to charge batteries overnight, ensuring power can be provided to key infrastructure [1].
Beyond energy distribution, the Olowu is introducing the digital cowry system, a 3D-printed token designed as a novel welfare delivery mechanism. Each digital cowry is numbered to a specific child and will be used for school feeding programs and transactions within local retailers. The system aims to educate children about their cultural heritage while improving transparency and reducing misuse in public welfare distribution [1].
Approved vendors can verify the value and authenticity of the digital cowries through a cloud-based system, making it a sophisticated gift card network. The digital cowry system is designed to prevent leakage in traditional school feeding programs and will launch in September when schools resume, with plans to expand to local retailers in Abeokuta by December [1].
The Olowu's solar-powered palace and digital cowry system are part of a larger vision for reducing the carbon footprint and empowering the community. The Olowu has expressed his love for the environment and his belief that polluting the environment is destroying the earth. He plans to run cables to public spaces, such as a health centre down the road and five public boreholes along the area, to provide them with regular power [1].
This integrated approach positions the Owu Kingdom as a pioneering model of sustainable energy use and innovative public welfare in Nigeria. The Olowu's initiatives reflect a new governance model combining infrastructure development with community ownership and digital transparency, setting a precedent for other communities to follow.
[1] [Source] [2] [Source]
- The expansion of the solar-powered palace's capacity to 120kVA will not only power the palace but also supply excess electricity to community services, making a significant step towards sustainable energy in the Owu Kingdom.
- The adoption of the digital cowry system, a 3D-printed token for welfare distribution, integrates technology into traditional practices, promoting transparency and preventing misuse in public welfare programs.
- In the realm of home-and-garden and lifestyle, sustainable living is being encouraged as the Olowu plans to extend power cables to public spaces, such as a health center and community boreholes, as part of his initiative for reducing the carbon footprint.
- The renewable-energy sector is being boosted by the Olowu's investment in a solar-powered palace, demonstrating his commitment to innovation in the technology industry and paving the way for similar projects in the future.
- The financial stability of the Owu Kingdom is enhanced by the Olowu's strategic project implementations, including the solar-powered palace and digital cowry system, creating an economically sustainable lifestyle for its citizens.
