CENTER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH
The Centre for Renewable Energy Research was established in May 2008 initially as a University Research Group and later in early 2009 as a Research Unit under the Vice Chancellor’s Office. With the recent Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) intervention in buildings and equipment for laboratories and workshops, the dream of a fully functional research centre with focus on renewable energy has finally been realized.
ACTIVITIES
The Centre operates the following specialized Research Groups with membership from across the Faculties of the University in addition to full time research fellows and external members:
- Solar Energy Research Group – Both solar thermal and Photovoltaics (PV) researches are being undertaken with focus on practical end use applications.
- Wind Energy Research Group – Horizontal and vertical axes wind turbines are being investigated as well as the use of air motors as prime movers.
- Small Hydro Research Group – The group intends to set up a 50kW demonstration unit at a location near the University. The facility is to be used for research and training. There are also plans for in-house fabrication of the turbines.
- Biofuels Research Group – Use of Jatropha (bini-da-zugu) and Moringa (zogale) oils for biodiesel production are being undertaken as well the establishment of the plantations of these species. A Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) has already been designed for this after a successful batch pilot plant. The group also undertakes work on briquetting of biomass and improved wood stoves to reduce wood consumption in the state. A manually operated briquetting machine prototype has been developed by the Centre.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Research Group – Carries out research on how to operate conventional power systems more efficiently with outreach programs to sensitize the immediate community on use of energy efficient lamps and other energy conservation measures.
A recent workshop in October 2009 brought key stakeholders from across the 34 Local Governments of Katsina State, Nigeria, to sensitize them on the enormous renewable energy potentials of the state for sustainable socio-economic development. The Centre has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre National D’Energie Solaire (CNES). Niamey, Niger Republic, and is collaborating on some research projects including a 50 kW Solar Tower Power Generation Station, the first of its kind in West Africa.
CeRER seeks partnership with national and international Centres and agencies for the development of renewable energy technologies for sustainable economic development of Katsina State, Nigeria and the West African region at large. We are also ready to provide training/capacity building in Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) for governments and the private sector. Partnership is also sought, especially from the private sector, for the extension of the RET developed by the centre so that the benefits reach out to the larger society.
For further details, please contact:
The Chairman,
Centre for Renewable Energy Research (CeRER)
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Dutsinma Road, PMB 2218, Katsina
Email: cerer@umyu.edu.ng