The institute will focus on cutting-edge innovations in renewable energy

Correspondence from Ashanti Region

DreamPower Africa, a leading clean energy and e-mobility company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) aimed at advancing the university’s ambitious net zero carbon emissions target by 2035.

Central to this collaboration is the proposal to establish an Innovation Institute for Sustainable Energy, envisioned as a national center for pioneering research, technology development, and capacity building in clean energy and e-mobility.

The institute will focus on cutting-edge innovations in renewable energy, circular economy models, and electric vehicle infrastructure, directly supporting KNUST’s energy policy goals of achieving 50% renewable energy integration by 2030 and full net zero emissions by 2035.

During a strategic meeting held on Wednesday, representatives from DreamPower Africa, led by CEO Andre Labuschagne, and KNUST management, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed mutual enthusiasm for the partnership.

Prof. Dickson highlighted the university’s current energy consumption peak of 8 megawatts (MW), with only 2.2 MW sourced from renewables, and acknowledged the financial challenges impeding the university’s clean energy transition.

DreamPower’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Onyinah Karikari, outlined the company’s comprehensive approach to integrating advanced solar power systems, battery storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure to bolster Ghana’s sustainable energy landscape.

“Our commitment extends beyond technology deployment to include capacity building, training, and fostering innovation that promotes climate resilience and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The Innovation Institute will serve as a hub for research excellence, technical training, and entrepreneurial incubation, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and facilitating technology transfer between academia and industry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of green innovators, scientists, and engineers equipped to lead Ghana’s sustainable energy future.

Nicholas Kohne, DreamPower’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the company’s dedication to blending international expertise with local knowledge to position Ghana as a leader in a just and resilient energy transition, beginning with impactful collaborations at institutions like KNUST.

This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s 2025 Vision, Green Transition Agenda, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

DreamPower Africa has invited the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, along with other government stakeholders, to engage in ongoing discussions to launch the first phase of this transformative initiative.