Energy Commission names six finalists for seventh Renewable Energy Challenge

The Energy Commission has officially announced the six senior high schools that will compete in the grand finale of the seventh edition of the Renewable Energy Challenge. Scheduled for November 17, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the competition serves as a premier platform for secondary students to showcase innovative solutions to Ghana's energy needs. The initiative is designed to move beyond theoretical classroom learning by encouraging students to apply scientific principles to real-world renewable energy projects and environmental sustainability.

The finalists were selected following rigorous zonal competitions. Representing the southern zone are Ahantaman Girls’ Senior High School, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), and Kpando Senior High School. The northern zone will be represented by Dabokpa Technical Institute, Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School, and OLA Girls’ Senior High School. These schools demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical feasibility in their initial project designs, earning them the opportunity to present their final prototypes on the national stage in Accra.

Speaking on the significance of the competition, Chris Yalley, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, emphasized that fostering innovation in renewable energy is critical for Ghana's long-term economic development. He noted that the challenge is a strategic effort to inspire the next generation of engineers and environmentalists. Mr. Yalley encouraged the qualifying students to continue refining their ideas, highlighting that the country relies on such homegrown ingenuity to transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy grid.

The Renewable Energy Challenge reflects a broader commitment by the Energy Commission to embed sustainability within the national consciousness and educational curriculum. As Ghana seeks to diversify its energy mix under the leadership of President John Mahama, such youth-led initiatives are seen as vital for identifying scalable solutions in solar, wind, and biomass energy. The upcoming grand finale is expected to attract industry leaders, policymakers, and educators to witness the potential of these student-led innovations.