The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) has developed a 1-kilowatt wind turbine prototype as part of a student engineering project, exploring alternatives to Nigeria’s heavy reliance on small petrol generators.

The project was completed in 2009 by final-year mechanical engineering student Chinedum Okuh, who presented it during the department’s annual final-year project defence. Built from locally sourced materials, the system was designed to provide enough electricity to power basic household appliances and charge devices.

“I’ve always been passionate about renewable energy,” Okuh said during his presentation. “Even though my course option was Automotive, I wanted to work on something that addressed a real problem.”

Supervised by Engr. Dr. J.O. Igbokwe, the project involved assessing wind conditions in southeastern Nigeria, modelling blade designs for optimal performance, and integrating a battery pack to store energy during periods of low wind.

“We had to revisit our fluid dynamics principles and test different configurations,” Okuh explained. “We designed, failed, redesigned until we reached a point where the system could reliably generate close to 1kW.”

Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply has left more than 60 million people dependent on small petrol generators, often used to power lights, fans, and small electronics. The widespread use of these machines has contributed to noise pollution, air quality problems, household accidents, and rising fuel expenses.

The FUTO prototype sought to demonstrate that a small-scale wind turbine could serve as a quieter, cleaner alternative. According to Okuh, the turbine could be produced for less than ₦100,000, making it cheaper than many imported petrol generators of similar output.

During the defence, assessors questioned the turbine’s durability in high winds, its cost per kilowatt-hour, and its potential scalability. Okuh presented data on performance, lifecycle costs, and possible design improvements.

“This project represents exactly what we want our students to do build with purpose, design with vision, and think beyond the classroom,” Igbokwe said.

An external examiner added: “Not every solution has to come from abroad. This shows we can start here, in our own university labs.”

Experts say Nigeria’s renewable energy strategies have so far focused on solar and biomass, with limited attention to wind despite viable conditions in parts of the middle belt and coastal areas. The FUTO project, they note, offers a proof of concept for decentralised microgeneration.

Okuh hopes others will build on the work. “Even if they fail at first, the learning is worth it,” he said. “That’s how we improve.”