By Abbas Nazil
Students of Premiere Academy have emerged winners of the Federal Capital Territory renewable energy solution contest after presenting an innovative project named Premiere Academy Smart Solar Mini Grid (PASS G), which outperformed nine other finalists in the prestigious STEAM competition.
The project was recognised for its practicality, originality and potential to promote sustainable energy adoption within local communities while addressing electricity access challenges through technology-driven solutions.
Organisers stated that the competition challenged schools to design and showcase renewable energy models capable of powering communities, promoting sustainability and solving local energy problems.
The winning entry was described as scalable, affordable and offline-ready, making it suitable for underserved communities across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
It integrates a smart prepaid metering system with a solar-powered mini grid to improve energy management and reduce inefficiencies in power distribution.
The system utilises low-power hardware components including the ESP32 microcontroller and PZEM-004T energy meters to ensure cost effectiveness and operational reliability.
Judges praised the innovation for its ability to function without constant internet connectivity while maintaining efficient monitoring and control of energy consumption.
An eight-member panel of experts evaluated the entries and included representatives from professional engineering bodies, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Association of Professional Women in Engineering in Nigeria, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement among others.
They unanimously scored the Premiere Academy project as the most outstanding entry based on technical design, impact potential and feasibility for real-world application.
Chris Akinsowon, the principal of Premiere Academy, congratulated the students and described the achievement as evidence of the institution’s long-standing commitment to excellence, ethics and teamwork in preparing learners for global competition.
He said the school would continue creating opportunities for students to explore advanced technological skills and gain exposure to innovation platforms aligned with global development trends.
Okoro Chinedu, the team mentor, described the project as a transformative solution aimed at reshaping sustainable renewable energy provision and consumption across Nigeria and the African continent.
He explained that the innovation reflects the school’s culture of resilience and dedication to producing future leaders capable of contributing to a smarter and greener world.
According to project assessments, the smart solar mini grid combats energy theft, encourages responsible energy usage and provides reliable electricity access to remote areas where conventional grid expansion remains limited.
The competition formed part of the annual Youth Eco Summit Nations Festival and served as the flagship event under the Battle of Energy Titans contest, where young innovators demonstrate practical energy solutions.
Stakeholders noted that initiatives like this strengthen youth participation in climate action and renewable energy development while encouraging collaboration between educational institutions and industry experts.
Industry observers added that supporting student-driven innovation in clean energy technology can accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable power systems and enhance local capacity for technical development.
