Johannes Amo-Aye wins £5,000 award for hybrid wind and solar turbine

Ghanaian engineer Johannes Amo-Aye has been awarded the £5,000 One-to-Watch Award at the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Recognized for his "Fusion Wind Turbine," Amo-Aye’s hybrid system integrates wind and solar energy to provide a consistent power supply for off-grid communities. This recognition highlights the potential of locally-developed technology to solve persistent energy deficits in remote regions, particularly within the healthcare sector where reliable electricity is often essential for service delivery.

Developed through MINAGIE Energy, the Fusion Wind Turbine is specifically designed to replace expensive and environmentally harmful diesel generators. A notable feature of the innovation is its high degree of localization, as approximately 90% of the system’s components are sourced within Ghana. By combining solar panels with wind turbine technology, the system ensures a more stable electricity flow than single-source renewables, making it ideal for rural health facilities that require constant power for medical equipment and vaccine refrigeration.

Looking ahead through 2026, Amo-Aye plans to scale the project by installing 25 turbines across various locations and launching a training program for local technicians to maintain the equipment. Despite the technical success, challenges remain regarding the affordability of the system for low-income rural communities. The Africa Prize, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Government, serves as a platform for innovators like Amo-Aye to attract the investment and support necessary to bridge these financial gaps and expand their impact across the continent.