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.

Renewable Energy Technology Research Center

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 a 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 bio-energy.

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.

v ONGOING PROJECTS

1. 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, 6 secondary schools, 23 health centers in Gamo and Gofa zones and Arba Minch University Solar Competence Center till 2020.

2. 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.