UENR launches Ghana Battery Network to drive local energy research

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has officially launched the Ghana Battery Network (GBN), a strategic initiative designed to foster local expertise and research within the battery technology sector. Speaking at the launch event, university officials emphasized the need for Ghana to transition from a consumer-focused market reliant on imports to a proactive participant in the global battery economy. The network is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, supporting the nation’s broader goals of adopting renewable energy solutions and expanding electric mobility infrastructure.

Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, highlighted that the primary objective of the GBN is to promote value addition through home-grown research and development. He noted that Ghana possesses the potential to build robust local institutions capable of contributing significantly to the energy-storage market. By enhancing collaboration between academia, industry players, and various stakeholders, the network aims to develop solutions tailored to the specific energy needs of the country while ensuring that Ghana can leverage its own natural resources more effectively.

Prof. Asare-Bediako further called on the government to create a conducive policy environment that encourages investment in local battery manufacturing and research. He underscored the critical role that universities play in driving national development through the production of specialized knowledge and technical skills. As the demand for efficient energy storage grows globally, the Ghana Battery Network is positioned to be a pivotal driver in securing Ghana’s place in the future of green energy technology.