Renewable Energy Technology Research Center, one of the units of Institute of Technology
based at Main Campus, came into being in 2015 to coordinate researches in the area of
renewable energy. Its main goal is to foster collaborative research between scholars and experts
of related area and to train future scientists to pursue potential research. Present government’s
focus on renewable energy to harness its true potential offers new greener approach that
guarantees preservation of ecosystem. We can tap this energy from sources such as sunlight,
wind, water, geothermal, and Biogas/wastes (industrial/agricultural) as it has tremendous depth
to offer solutions in the areas of agricultural, industrial and health-related issues.
Similarly, it requires appropriate skills in related disciplines for our staff so that we can harness
its true worth and develop various problem-solving researches that will be mutually beneficial.


VISION
To be reputed institute in Ethiopia focusing on renewable energy research and technology
development by 2030


MISSION
To conduct demand-driven research in the area of renewable energy technology and provide
consultancy and community engagement by coordinating available human resources in the
university


GOAL
To disseminate research outputs to the communities and industries, create favorable research
environment and promote cutting-edge research with scientific ethics.


OBJECTIVES
 Do basic and applied research which are technically, economically viable and
environment-friendly leading Ethiopia towards self-reliance on energy production and
consumption
 Assist university by identifying problems of rural community and proposing apt solution
with final application of research findings in collaboration with government, private
sector and NGO
 Conduct research on renewable energy projects and do consultancy for public-private
sector
 Create social awareness by using naturally abundant and clean energy sources
 Provide knowledge-based insights to influence policies and programs of government in
utilization of renewable energy technology for meeting energy needs


RESEARCH AREAS OF THE CENTER
1. SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH AREAS
The Renewable Energy Technology Research Center funds solar energy research and
development efforts in five main categories: photovoltaics, solar-thermal power systems,
solar energy systems integration, solar energy soft costs, and solar manufacturing and
competitiveness. The research and developmental projects are funded by the center aim
to improve the affordability, performance, and value of solar technologies.


2. WIND ENERGY RESEARCH AREAS
The Renewable Energy Technology Research Center funds wind energy research and
development efforts in five main categories: wind conditions; wind turbine technology;
wind energy integration; wind power applications, and Economic Analysis of wind
energy. The research and developmental projects are funded by the center aim to improve
the affordability, performance, and value of wind energy technologies.


3. BIO-ENERGY RESEARCH AREAS
The Renewable Energy Technology Research Center funds bio-energy research and
development efforts in four main categories: Biomass Energy Conversions; Biofuels;
Bio-products and Bio-power technologies. The research and developmental projects are
funded by the center aim to improve the affordability, performance, and value of bioenergy.


4. SMALL HYDRO POWER RESEARCH AREAS
The Renewable Energy Technology Research Center funds small hydropower research
and development efforts in four main categories: Small hydropower resource assessment;
Small hydropower applications; Design developments of cost effective small hydropower
components; Small hydropower integration. The research and developmental projects are
funded by the center aim to improve the affordability, performance, and value of small
hydropower technologies.


 ONGOING PROJECTS
Sahay Solar Project
The center is running Sahay Solar Project through its community engagement since 2009.
The project is aimed to electrify rural health centers and schools in Gamo and Gofa
Zones. It is a collaborative project with three partners Sahay Solar Association Africa e.v,
Germany, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Arba Minch
University and former Gamo-Gofa Zone Administration. It has electrified 9 primary
schools, 4 secondary schools, 23 health centers in Gamo and Gofa zones and Arba Minch
University Solar Competence Center till 2020.
Domestic Bio-Digester Project
The overall objective of the project is to install 250 domestic biogas digester in the
Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region (SNNPR), Gamo Zone five Woredas;
A/Minch Zuriya, Merab Abaya, Kucha, Chencha and Gerese Woredas. It is a
collaborative project with two partners Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region
Mines and Energy Agency and Arba Minch University.

 

CONTACT US
Sodessa Soma Shonkora (MSc)
Director, Renewable Energy Technology Research Center
Arba Minch University, Ethiopia
Mobile No: +251 910057977
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.