The Energy Center (TEC) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) have concluded a 2-day training programme on HOMER Software for hybrid systems energy systems analysis. 

The training took place from 13 – 14 August 2014 at The Energy Center, College of Engineering, KNUST. Participants were welcomed on behalf of the Director of TEC by Dr Gabriel Takyi  - Head of Mechanical Engineering Department and a leading Fellow TEC.  

A total of 36 participants from state energy agencies, private sector, academia and Non-Governmental Organizations participated in the training programme. There were two female participants. 

Institutions represented were KNUST, Energy Commission, Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Kumasi Polytechnic, Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Koforidua Polytechnic, Accra Polytechnic, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), University of Development Studies (UDS), etc. 

This training forms part of the efforts by ECREEE and KNUST to develop sub-regional capacity in renewable energy project analysis. 

HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables) energy modeling software is a tool for designing and analyzing hybrid power systems, which contain a mix of conventional generators, combined heat and power, wind turbines, solar photovoltaic, batteries, fuel cells, hydropower, biomass and other inputs. It is currently used all over the world by tens of thousands of people.

The training covered several aspects of the HOMER software, including: input parameters, internal processing within HOMER and analysis of output and results. 

This training was a follow up to a train-the-trainer programme that was organized in June 2013 by ECREEE in Praia, Cape Verde. The training was led by Mr. David Ato Quansah of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (also a Fellow of The Energy Center). 

Participants were admonished to build on the fundamentals they have received in the 2-day training to help them in conducting credible renewable energy project analysis in support of the quest for sustainable energy for all by 2030 (SE4ALL). 

The Energy Center has since 2009 conducted training for almost 400 participants from 21 countries in Africa, and is poised to continue and expand its contribution to the development of critical human resource in energy technology and policy. It is planned to run this programme.