Harnessing solar power in Nigeria

Before Zurmi General Hospital went solar, many of the staff were holding their breath. Some worried about how the change in power would affect medical operations.

“We have people on oxygen tanks,” said one MSF staff member, reminding the engineers about what was at stake.

Very quickly, those fears turned to relief. The transition went smoothly, and the electricity remained stable into the following days.

“Before, it was extremely challenging,” said Israel Mushore, the energy manager who worked on the project for five months. “Patients would be taken into surgery, and there was always the risk of a power cut in the middle of the procedure. Now, with solar power, we have a stable and reliable energy source.”