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The Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) has been launched in a major effort to address Africa’s pressing energy and e-waste challenges. The £3.5 million Pan-African research centre was unveiled during a virtual news conference , with support from the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, a £1 billion initiative focused on clean energy research and development. The initiative is a collaboration among over 30 stakeholders from government, industry, and academia across the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. CEPREC aims to drive collaborative research, innovation, and capacity building by uniting various sectors to solve key energy issues in Africa. Frances Wood, UKRI International Director, emphasized the potential of this initiative, stating that it exemplifies how equitable, interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to transformative solutions for a sustainable, inclusive energy future. “We are empowering local researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to develop, manage, and scale circular microgrid projects through workshops, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing,” Wood added. CEPREC’s director, Prof. Muyiwa Oyinlola, also expressed enthusiasm for the centre’s potential, explaining that the centre aims to transform the way Africa deals with waste by turning it into opportunity, driving economic transformation, and empowering local communities. “The centre will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions across Africa,” said Oyinlola. Prof. Layi Alatise, Deputy Director of CEPREC (Engineering) and Professor of Power Electronics at the University of Warwick, emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer to ensure long-term sustainability. He noted that the centre will integrate circular economy principles into Africa’s energy sector to foster resilience and sustainability. CEPREC’s Deputy Director (Social Sciences), Prof. Giuliana Battisti, also highlighted the significance of aligning cutting-edge research with practical applications. The collaboration aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for Africa’s renewable energy future by combining technological innovation with effective policy integration. Dr. Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House and leader of CEPREC’s Policy Engagement, noted the importance of a comprehensive international policy framework for transitioning to a circular economy. “This transition is not only an environmental necessity but requires global collaboration to foster sustainable practices across all sectors,” he said. The initiative is further strengthened by CEPREC’s Head of Strategic Partnerships, Abi Okoya, who emphasized the centre’s commitment to forging transformative partnerships to advance Africa’s energy future. “We are united in creating circular solutions that will redefine how we power our communities,” Okoya said. The centre will initially operate in six sub-Saharan African countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Rwanda. It plans to expand further across the continent as the project progresses. CEPREC is poised to become a game-changer in Africa’s renewable energy sector, creating lasting impacts for communities and the environment. |
