The Energy Commission of Ghana has launched a project to address specific challenges and encourage Senior High School students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways.
The project involves modifying and commercializing winning projects from the annual Energy Commission Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge, in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, announced this at the launch of the 5th Energy Commission Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge in Takoradi. The challenge aims to promote creative thinking, provide mentorship, and showcase innovative projects made from local materials to solve societal challenges.
Started in 2019, the challenge has expanded to include schools from all 16 regions, with past winners including a Solar Dehydrator and a multi-functional device called the Farmers’ Friend. The Energy Commission has signed an MoU with CSIR to upgrade and commercialize these projects, making them more efficient and viable.
The revenue generated from these enhanced projects will be returned to the schools, according to the agreement. The Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Director of Education, Kate Biney, praised the benefits of the project, including improved critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills for students.
This year’s challenge theme is “Application of Renewable Energy Technologies in Solving Land Degradation and Water Pollution.” The project aims to promote innovative solutions to real-world problems, supporting Ghana’s sustainable development goals.
