GCTU Hosts Groundbreaking Symposium On Green Hydrogen Adoption
The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) has hosted a symposium on green hydrogen adoption on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Florence Onny Auditorium of the University.
Themed “The Future of Green Hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Communication, Technology, and Higher Educational Institutions,” the event marked a significant step towards exploring green hydrogen’s transformative potential for the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Organized by the P-Learn Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation in collaboration with the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy, the symposium brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, academics, industry experts, and students. The event was chaired by GCTU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, who delivered an impassioned opening address.
Prof. Afoakwa underscored the critical need for collective action to harness green hydrogen’s potential, emphasizing its role in addressing climate change and spurring economic growth. He highlighted the essential contributions of higher educational institutions in fostering innovation and preparing future leaders to support green hydrogen technologies. “Our commitment as a university is to drive forward-thinking research and innovation that will propel green hydrogen from concept to reality in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Prof. Afoakwa remarked.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Collins Adomako Mensah, representing Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives. He outlined Ghana’s aim to achieve 10% renewable energy installed capacity by 2030 and highlighted ongoing projects, such as the 200 MW solar park by the Volta River Authority. Hon. Mensah stressed the importance of partnerships and investments to further green hydrogen development and called for “integrating green hydrogen into the Renewable Energy Master Plan.”
The symposium featured two distinguished guest speakers: the Director of the Institute of Industrial Research at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Prof. Francis Agyenim Boateng and the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi.
Prof. Agyenim Boateng highlighted the superior energy capacity of hydrogen compared to traditional fuels and called for a focus on practical, impactful innovations over purely theoretical research. He emphasized the need for substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure and policy reforms to maximize Africa’s abundant solar and water resources.
Prof. Acakpovi discussed the vital role of green hydrogen in addressing energy needs and reducing carbon emissions. He proposed a ten-point strategy to support Ghana’s green hydrogen agenda, including establishing electrolysis facilities and developing hydrogen storage and refueling stations. Prof. Acakpovi emphasized the necessity of pilot projects, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships to foster the adoption of green hydrogen.
Nana Agyemang Prempeh, representing the P-Learn Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation, highlighted the Centre’s dedication to driving industrial innovation and sustainable solutions through pioneering research in green hydrogen technology. He emphasized the Centre’s efforts in developing efficient electrolysis processes and nurturing the next generation of innovators through specialized training programmes and hands-on workshops.
The symposium concluded with a call on all stakeholders to contribute to the green hydrogen ecosystem. Prof. Afoakwa expressed optimism for the future, encouraging collaborative efforts to realize the promise of green hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future, leveraging green hydrogen to address our energy challenges and contribute to global climate change mitigation,” he concluded.
There was heightened interest from the GCTU Community as they thronged the venue in their numbers. Among them were the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Deans, Directors and Heads of Department.
The event not only highlighted the potential of green hydrogen but also reinforced GCTU’s role as a leading institution in driving forward sustainable energy solutions.
