Story by Richard Kofi Boahen, Sunyani
This year’s edition of the International Conference on Energy and Engineering (ICEE ’25) organized by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) kicked off today at the university’s main campus in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital.
The three-day conference, which is under the theme: “Engineering the Future: Smart Innovations for Sustainable Energy, Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Climate Resilience” will provide a dynamic platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and students are making presentations that address pressing global and local challenges in energy, engineering, agriculture, and sustainability.
Knowledge exchange
Welcoming the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako stated that as a university mandated to train professionals and conduct research in energy and natural resources, UENR is proud to offer such a platform for knowledge exchange, idea generation, and partnership building.
“With over 520 staff, multiple research centres, and a growing portfolio of diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes, UENR remains at the forefront of energy and natural resource education in Ghana. We are committed to producing graduates who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges with innovation and integrity”, he further stated.
According to him, the transition to renewable energy, the need for resilient urban systems, the pursuit of sustainable food production, and the escalating threats of climate change demand bold and intelligent responses, adding that: “These are not challenges for tomorrow; they are the imperatives of today. ICEE 2025 is designed to foster precisely this kind of forward-thinking engagement.”
“Over the next three days, we will hear from experts who are shaping the future across diverse domains. Topics will range from renewable energy integration and advanced storage technologies to Earth observation applications, petroleum transition strategies, and sustainable mining practices. These discussions are not merely academic; they are pathways to transformation in Ghana, across Africa, and globally.”
Meaningful goals
The Vice-Chancellor said UENR considers the conference as part of its broader mission to contribute meaningfully to national and international development goals and encouraged participants to make the most of this opportunity. Present your research, share your experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Let this be a space where ideas flourish, networks are formed, and solutions are born. Conferences reach their full potential when knowledge is translated into action.
Energy Mix in Ghana
Delivering a presentation on the topic, “Smart and Renewable Energy Systems – Advancing a Sustainable and Reliable Energy Mix in Ghana”, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, the Vice Chancellor of the Sunyani Technical University proposed three approaches that could help Ghana achieved its 10% target of renewable energy generation by 2030.
These approaches, he said, are Smart Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Aggregation, Blockchain-Based Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Energy Trading and Adaptive Financing via “Energy as a Service” (EaaS).
He was of the view that renewable energy systems should guarantee critical loads while allowing non-essential loads to adjust according to availability.
Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah stated that smart and renewable energy systems must transcend mere engineering, adding that: “They must be integrated into the fabric of society and grounded in ecological responsibility.
“The urgency is acute as climate change stress rises, energy access inequalities persist, and ecosystems remain fragile. These conditions make it imperative that the energy transition prioritizes renewable solutions tailored to local realities. By boldly seizing these opportunities, we can reshape our energy landscape into one that is secure, inclusive and provides a sustainable and reliable energy mix”, he concluded.
