Energy Commission partners CSIR to commercialise projects by SHS students

The Energy Commission of Ghana has begun a project to help address some peculiar challenges whilst at the same time, challenging students at Senior High Schools to practicalize the theory they learn in the classroom.

To this end, some projects which won their annual Energy Commission Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge have been given to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to modify and make them commercially viable.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Oscar Amonoo- Neizer at the launch of the 5th Energy Commission Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge in Takoradi.

The Challenge seeks to promote creative thinking, provide mentorship to students in the second-cycle institutions and also extend to them the platform to exhibit their innovative projects. The main reason is to get the students to use local materials to come out with innovative projects to solve some of the challenges confronting society.

Started in 2019 on a pilot basis in the Greater Accra Region, it has gradually been expanded with schools from all the 16 regions participating currently.

In 2022, the winning project was a Solar Dehydrator using local products whilst that of 2023 was what was named the Farmers Friend, a multi-functional device used for harvesting, sowing and watering seedlings.

The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Oscar Amonoo- Neizer disclosed that the projects were given to the CSIR.

“The Energy Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CSIR to upgrade it and make it commercial. They have therefore modified it and made it more efficient and will soon be on the market. This was showcased at the 2023 finals. It has now become commercially viable,” he said.

“Last year’s winning project, the Farmers’ Friend has also been handed over to CSIR.
So, we are not just leaving it on the shelves but taking them a step further to make them more efficient and commercially viable. “

“The agreement with the schools is that the revenue generated from the enhanced winning projects will be given back to them,” he said.

Meanwhile the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Director of Education, Kate Biney, who represented the Western Regional Education Director was happy about the benefits to the students.

“GES is benefiting because we have core competencies which the basic curriculum seeks to see in our learners. And once a learner researches and looks for solutions, that person owns the project and makes sure that he fights and brings a solution. So that person does not only become a critical thinker but a problem solver as well. “

“Then again, the presentations they do, sort of boosts their morale, creates self-confidence and enables them relate well with their colleagues i.e. development in their communication skills and teamwork,“ he added.

This year’s theme is “Application of Renewable Energy Technologies in Solving Land Degradation and Water Pollution.”

Out of the nine schools that took part in the 2024 Energy Challenge in the Western Region, Ahantaman Girls placed first with their project: “PHYTOREMEDIATION IN TREATMENT OF POLLUTED WATER FROM GALAMSEY USING WATER HYACINTH”

By Ewurama Smith

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