Solar Thermal Training for ECOWAS Member States

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Published On - January 1, 2024

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Project Title Solar Thermal Training for ECOWAS Member States
Program Solar Thermal
Thematic Area Renewable Energy
Project ID (If Applicable) :
Goal Accelerated transition from a fossil fuel-based energy supply system to a sustainable energy supply system through solar thermal energy.
Start Month & Year January 2024
Closing Month & Year December 2024
Duration (Years) 1 Year
Budget USD 17,090.01
Funding Partner ECOWAS
Other Partners (If Applicable) New project document concept drafted.
Coordinator Julien Bulgo

1. CONTEXT / BACKGROUND

Due to their limited availability, fossil fuels are likely to become too expensive to be used for hot water preparation, cooling of buildings, and agricultural products and industrial processes. Solar radiation is available across ECOWAS in reasonable proportions compared to Europe.

Across, West Africa, there is a great need for water heating for many purposes. Heated water is mainly consumed by social institutions, such as hospitals and clinics, orphanages, schools, laundries, hotels, as well as buildings in middle- and upper-income residential areas. Yet another huge area of demand for heating is industry. An example is the application of heated water in the food and beverage industry. Low-temperature heat in food processing industries can be provided by solar thermal systems. Besides these, there is also a need for solar thermal energy applications in the agricultural sector. The drying of fruits, tea, coffee, herbs, fish, and meat is an example.

Regardless of these opportunities, West Africa lacks adequate awareness, technical know-how, and the policy direction to develop and disseminate solar thermal solutions. Hydroelectricity, diesel, and solid biomass are the main resources for water heating. The immense potential of solar thermal energy could replace these resources.

2. MAIN ACTIVITIES & IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

In 2023, ECREEE renewed contact with SHC and AEE by organizing a regional training session in Praia.

In view of the enthusiasm and success of this event, ECREEE has decided to plan two further sessions in 2024. The special feature of this new training session is that it will bring together a regional trainer and an international trainer.

Courses will be delivered in French and English. Regarding the choice of Côte d’Ivoire to host the next Forum, a Francophone training session could be organized as part of ESEF 2024. Given the low budget, ECREEE will only be responsible for catering.

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. A call for applications will therefore be launched on the ECREEE website a few months before the event.

3. ACHIEVED OUTPUTS (If the project is ongoing)

  •  Not yet