Prof. Solomon Shibairo with University Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project Committee members during the workshop in Kisumu Hotel, Kisumu County.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is at the front-line in actualization of the Sustainable Development Goal number seven (7) – Affordable and Clean Energy. A team of Engineers from the University led by the Chairman, University Solar Photo Voltaic Energy Project committee, Dr. James Owuor, held a two-day workshop from 2nd to 3rd February, 2023 in Kisumu Hotel. The aim of the workshop was to develop technical specifications and an implementation plan for the Solar Power project in the University.
Speaking at the workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo commended the team of engineers for spearheading such an important project in the University. Prof. Shibairo noted that most institutions are in financial crisis and a major contributor to this is high cost of electricity. “We have seen electricity bills run to millions in some institutions. If as a University we can embrace this technology and save on the funds used in the electricity bills, then it is a major boost to us,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Additionally, Prof. Shibairo highlighted the benefits of using solar energy, saying that it is clean hence to our environment. “Currently there are a lot of emissions into the air. If most organizations can embrace this form of energy, then no greenhouse gas emissions will be released into the atmosphere. This is because the sun provides a clean as well as high amount of energy than we’ll ever need, hence making it a very important source of energy as we shift towards clean energy production,” added Prof. Shibairo.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation (DVC PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai was impressed with the strides, the committee had made. Prof. Mutai stressed on the need to embrace Solar energy, saying that as a renewable CO2-free power source, the environmental impact of solar power is significantly smaller than other power generation methods. Prof. Mutai assured the participants of the University managements’ unwavering support of the project to its finality.
According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), Energy is the dominant contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to help reduce this and in compliance with SDG No 7 on access to clean and affordable energy, and SDG No 13 on climate action, MMUST intends to go green in all its operations and attain ISO 14000 on environmental management systems. Today, we are proud that we have began the journey of attaining this goal, through the implementation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power generation system, which is first of the many that are yet to come.
A section of University Solar Photo Voltaic Energy Project Committee members
In the current financial year, the University management has earmarked the ABA and library buildings to be solar powered. This will result in reduction of current electricity bills in the University, as well as ensure reliable and stable power supply with a reduced carbon footprint.
Other members present at the workshorp were: Eng. George Otula Nyagwa - Solar Consultatnt, Hillary Shikuba - Kakakmega County Public Works, Dr. Peter T.Cherop, Dr. Janet Oyaro Dr. Cedric Okinda Dr. Edwin Kanda, Dr. Celine Omondi, Mr. Wilberforce Alube Mr. Enock Odondi, and Mr. Patrick Kivale.
