The Energy Center (TEC) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and its consortium partners have concluded a 2-week training programme in Accra for energy policy makers regulators, and utilities in the ECOWAS Sub-region on instruments and mechanisms to strengthen renewable energy development and investments. 

The workshop was organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as part of the joint initiative on “Promoting a Sustainable Market for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in the ECOWAS Region” (ProSPER). 

The opening session, held on 9 September 2013 in Accra was co-chaired by Mr. Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, Capacity Development Programme Officer of IRENA and Mr. Mahama Kappiah, Executive Director of ECREEE. 

In his opening remark Mr. Ndhlukula highlighted the objectives of the ProSPER initiative and expressed the hope that the workshop will make a positive contribution in their attainment. Mr. Kappiah on his recounted a number of initiatives that ECREEE is undertaking as part of its mandate to promote the uptake of renewable energy in the ECOWAS sub-region including the development and formulation of  National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) and policies (NREPs). He expressed his delight at the take-off of the workshop and urged participants to maximize the benefits that the workshop offers and to share their experiences and ideas. 

Partners in the consortium included The Energy Center (TEC), KNUST of Ghana, RENAC AG and IFOK of Germany, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) in Burkina Faso and Mr David Jacobs, an Independent Energy Consultant. 

Dr George Obeng, Messrs David Ato Quansah and Ebenezer Nyarko-Kumi, Fellows of TEC were facilitators at the training workshop and delivered modules on ECOWAS Country Energy Policy Reviews, Energy Economics and Pricing, Technology and Financing Options for Rural Electrification, etc.

Mr Quansah, who participated in the opening session on behalf of TEC gave an overview of the University’s involvement in energy research through the 1970s, 80s and 90s and briefed participants on some key activities (including research projects and consultancies) that TEC has undertaken since its founding in 2009. In the area of training, he noted that the Center has trained over 300 persons in renewable technologies and energy policy and planning from more than 16 African countries. 

The first week of the workshop 9 – 13 September 2013 was attended by participants from Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Liberia while the second and concluding week (16 – 20 September 2013) was for participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia and Cape Verde.

To visit the website of ECREEE click here. To visit the website of IRENA click here.

To download a copy of presentation at the opening session, click here.