Asteven International Group, an indigenous renewable energy company in Nigeria, is set to launch what it describes as the first private sector financed comprehensive renewable energy and energy efficiency centre in the country – the Asteven Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Academy.
The academy, a 100% solar powered institute, is conceptualised to build technical know how and capacity, creating solar entrepreneurs, solar/renewable energy technicians, installers and engineers in its state-of-the-art facility equipped with high tech equipment.
The Academy disclosed in a statement made available to EnviroNews that it’s training curriculum and modules have been developed in collaboration with Global Energy Institutes.
“It is dynamic in nature with a strong focus on local content. It seeks to promote backward integration in the renewable energy sector and create green jobs for women, youths, and university graduates. Overall, it is set to address the skills gap that is so prevalent in the renewable energy sector in Nigeria,” the group stated.
The centre will be officially opened on Monday, February 24, 2018 by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, with Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State as Chief Host.
Special guests include Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Minister of Energy in Sierra-Leone, Henry O Macaulay.
The group pointed out that, over the years, the dearth of skilled manpower had impeded the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. Most renewable energy companies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa are presumed not to have the required technical capacity to embark on renewable energy projects, it adds, pointing out that this assumption is fueled by the array of failed renewable energy projects seen all over the country.
“As the first of its kind, the Academy has an obligation to provide superior, globally competitive training and specialist certifications to trainees at this state-of-the-art Academy. The Academy shall develop forward-looking curricula, identify career pathways, share labour market data and resolve issues related to trainings on Renewable Energy Technologies and workforce development. This shall be done through multiple offerings, including train-the-trainer workshops and webinars, distance learning courses, and mobile laboratory training modules.
“Associated with the Academy is the Centre of Excellence. This is the Entrepreneurship arm of the Academy that focuses on empowering the society in a more evolving environment dealing with energy issues. Trainees shall be provided with the requisite skillsets and opportunities to be entrepreneurs, contributing towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“With the launch of the Academy, the renewable energy sector is poised to grow in Nigeria powering Eco-Development and driving enhanced Green Growth Awareness. The Academy is endorsed by the various associations in the industry in Nigeria including; the Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria and Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria. The Academy has built a strong partnership as well with Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE), Nigeria Chapter.”
Other subsidiaries of Asteven Group International are: AS Solar World, Green Energy Finance International Limited, Wave Engineering, AS Technics and Akpoyibo Green Foundation.
