About SEC | Sustainable Energy Centre

Who We Are

The Sustainable Energy Centre (SEC) is a multi-disciplinary research Centre housed within the School of Engineering at Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU). The Centre brings together researchers, academics, and practitioners from Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and allied disciplines to address the energy challenges facing Ghana, the Upper East Region, and sub-Saharan Africa at large.

The SEC serves as a strategic platform for research, innovation, training, and advisory services in sustainable and renewable energy technologies. Its establishment positions BTU as a critical contributor to national and regional energy transition goals including the Ghana Renewable Energy Master Plan, the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Targets, the WAPP Master Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Our Vision

To become a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Energy Research and Development in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Our Mission

Strengthen the capacity of energy sector actors in Upper East Region, Ghana, and sub-Saharan Africa
Deliver innovative research in renewable energy
Provide professional training and expert advisory services
Drive technology development in sustainable energy

Strategic Direction

Strategic Objectives

1

Partner with government and private sector actors to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for rural development and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.

2

Deliver career-focused, skill-based sustainable energy education, research, and training with emphasis on hands-on experience and entrepreneurship.

3

Provide advisory, research, and skills-training services in energy management and policy to public institutions, NGOs, and private enterprises.

4

Support government and non-governmental organisations in disseminating best practices in renewable energy technologies, policy, and management.

5

Enhance the research and training capacity of academic staff in sustainable and renewable energy technology, policy, and management.

6

Create an interdisciplinary research framework cognisant of climate change, SDGs, the ECOWAS White Paper on Access to Energy Services, and Ghana's Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II).

7

Mobilise resources — including academic expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and funding partnerships — to sustain the Centre's operations and expand its impact.

Core Functions

Our Three Pillars

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Research

Applied and academic research in sustainable energy technologies — from solar PV, wind, biomass and hybrid systems to smart micro-grids, AI-driven energy forecasting, energy storage, and green mobility solutions. Our research informs policy, drives innovation, and creates real-world impact.

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Training

Capacity building and professional development programmes for industry, government, and civil society stakeholders. We offer accredited short courses, certification programmes, hands-on workshops, and an annual energy summit — bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills.

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Advisory

Policy analysis and expert consulting services for government ministries (Energy, Environment), utilities (ECG, GRIDCO, VRA), development partners (UNDP, AfDB, World Bank), and private enterprises. We provide evidence-based guidance on energy management, regulation, and sustainable transitions.

Sustainable Energy Centre

About the Sustainable Energy Centre