Bolgatanga: The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has inaugurated its Sustainable Energy Centre (SEC) at the university's main campus in Sumbrungu to help drive Ghana's energy transition efforts. The facility is envisioned as a platform for students, faculty, and industry partners to engage in meaningful research, innovation, and capacity building in support of Ghana's energy transition agenda.
According to Ghana News Agency, the SEC operates under the broader framework of the Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency Centre, designed to complement the Government of Ghana's efforts to meet ECOWAS renewable energy targets. It is also designed to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal seven (Affordable and Clean Energy), goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and goal 13 (Climate Action).
Professor Callistus Tengan, the Acting Dean of the School of Engineering, described the establishment of the SEC as a major milestone for the university and a timely response to urgent national and global calls for sustainable energy solutions. He expressed hope that the centre would evolve into a hub for groundbreaking research, impactful training, and innovative applications in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies. "By bringing together expertise across disciplines, the Centre reflects the very spirit of innovation and collaboration that the School of Engineering seeks to nurture," Professor Tengan stated. He reaffirmed the University's full commitment to supporting the Centre and positioning it as a regional Centre of Excellence.
Professor Peter Osei Boamah, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of BTU, emphasized the importance of the initiative in strengthening the university's capacity to support the government in achieving the SDGs. "With the establishment of the SEC, students, lecturers, and industry professionals will be empowered with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to drive environmental transformation from energy-efficient building design to renewable energy integration, from sustainable materials to smart technologies. This is where ideas will be tested, refined, and scaled for real-world impact," he said. He lauded the leadership of the Dean of the School of Engineering and the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering for their instrumental roles in making the project a reality.
The SEC is expected to facilitate hands-on learning, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and produce forward-thinking solutions that address both local and global energy challenges.
