HTU HOSTS VIRTUAL TRAINING ON SOLAR ENERGY INTEGRATION IN GOVERNMENT WORKPLACES

Ho Technical University in collaboration with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, has commenced a three-day virtual training programme on Monday, September 15, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Government Workplaces with Solar Energy: Importance, Benefits, and Strategic Integration.”

The online programme, brought together participants from various public institutions, aiming to equip them with practical knowledge on the strategic deployment of solar energy to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and promote environmental sustainability in government workplaces.

Opening the session, the Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga welcomed participants and highlighted the recent commissioning of the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) Centre on campus. He noted that the Centre aligns with the objectives of the training which is expected to drive innovation, research, and capacity building in renewable energy. He further emphasized HTU’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and its role in supporting Ghana’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Prof. Honyenuga encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training by engaging actively, stressing that their contributions and questions were vital to making the session interactive, practical, and impactful. According to him, the true value of such programmes lies not only in listening but also in sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and applying the knowledge gained to real workplace situations.

The first session was facilitated by Ing. Seth Mahu, an experienced energy consultant and Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transitions at the Ministry of Energy & Green Transition. Mr. Mahu delivered a series of technical presentations covering components of solar energy systems, historic efficiency curves of solar PV panel types, and basic principles of solar system design and installation. He outlined the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy and encouraged government agencies to adopt clean energy technologies in line with global best practices.

Prof. Richard Turkson, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and coordinator for STAR-C, together with Ing. Dr. Seth T.K. Dzokoto, a member of the HTU STAR-C team, also presented on other areas of solar technology, enriching the discussions with additional insights. The training also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to seek clarification and share perspectives on solar integration within their respective institutions.

This training session forms part of HTU’s broader efforts to foster partnerships, build capacity, and promote sustainability-focused innovations that respond to both national and global energy challenges.