ATU wins EBSCO solar grant - Earns global recognition for sustainable energy innovation

Accra Technical University (ATU) has been named one of four global recipients of the 2025 EBSCO Solar Grant, cementing its position as a leader in sustainability and renewable energy innovation in higher education.

The announcement was made through a press release by EBSCO Information Services in Ipswich, Massachusetts, signed by Briana Peters, Communications Specialist.

Now in its tenth year, the EBSCO Solar initiative awarded a total of $300,000 to support the installation of solar panels for public and private libraries across the globe. ATU, Ghana’s premier technical university, joins this year’s recipients alongside Brooklyn Public Library, Patten Free Library, and Wolfe County Public Library, all based in the United States.

ATU’s winning proposal—developed through a collaborative effort between the University’s Library and the Sustainable Energy Service Centre (SESC)—secured funding to install an additional 60kWp of solar photovoltaic capacity, dedicated exclusively to powering the university library.

This installation will significantly reduce energy costs, improve operational resilience during power outages, and enhance the building’s energy performance by lowering its carbon footprint.

This latest milestone is the result of over a decade of commitment. Since 2014, ATU has worked steadily towards integrating more sustainable energy and water solutions into campus operations.

The university currently operates approximately 85kWp of solar PV systems across its facilities, comprising on-grid, hybrid and solar-powered underground water pumping installations.

“We are aiming to locally generate between 60 to 75 per cent of our electricity needs,” a university spokesperson said, adding: “This grant brings us closer to achieving that goal, particularly in supporting critical academic infrastructure like the library.”

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the university has also embarked on a campus-wide Energy Conservation Drive to promote responsible and efficient energy use among staff and students.

These efforts are spearheaded by the Sustainable Energy Service Centre (SESC), established with support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) under Compact II.

The Centre is tasked with training energy auditors, conducting energy audits, and leading research into sustainability-related topics.

ATU’s sustainability achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the university was recognised by Think Energy Media for excellence in SDG Research, Teaching and Learning and Curriculum, affirming its place at the forefront of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda in African higher education.

The EBSCO Solar Grant is a key initiative designed to help libraries and academic institutions transition to clean energy while redirecting operational savings into learning and community.