The College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has opened discussions with ATRI Energy and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to explore a strategic collaboration to support Ghana’s energy transition and industrial development agenda.

The visit brought together academia, private sector investors, and government representatives to explore collaboration opportunities in energy research, training, innovation, and consultancy services aligned with Ghana’s national development priorities.

Professor Francis Kemausuor, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, underscored the importance of strong academia–industry–government collaboration in delivering sustainable and scalable energy solutions.

“Partnerships that bring together research, industry experience, and policy direction are critical if we are to develop energy solutions that are both innovative and relevant to national development,” he noted.

Group Chief Executive Officer of ATRI Energy, Mr. Shishir Kalkonde, outlined the company’s strategic interest as a private-sector investor, particularly in the development of biogas technologies.

He explained that ATRI Energy is keen on supporting Ghana’s energy transition by investing in solutions that enhance energy security while driving both industrial and community-level development through locally adapted technologies.

Representatives from the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat highlighted that a core mandate of the initiative is to connect international investors with credible local institutions such as KNUST. According to them, such partnerships are essential for effective technology transfer, local capacity building, and inclusive national development.

Discussions during the meeting focused on establishing a structured internship programme, joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programmes, and consultancy support across key energy engineering disciplines.

Priority areas identified included biofuels, solar energy, biogas, and other emerging and conventional energy solutions that support the objectives of the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The KNUST technical team was led by the Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Dr. Kwame Sarkodie, who reaffirmed the College of Engineering’s readiness to serve as a technical and research partner to ATRI Energy.

“KNUST has the multidisciplinary expertise to support applied research, workforce development, and consultancy services needed to drive Ghana’s energy ambitions,” he said.

Other members of the KNUST expert team, Dr. Patrick Boakye of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dr. Oliver Kornyo of the Department of Computer Science, also contributed insights on process engineering, renewable energy systems, and sustainable energy development.

The meeting ended with both parties’ agreement for a framework for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to formalise collaboration in research, training, innovation, and consultancy and a tour at the Renewable Energy Lab.