The TEA-LP welcomes a new partner: Jimma University

Our goal at the TEA-LP is to grow a strong and vibrant network of energy specialists and academics in the Global South that can collaborate, exchange knowledge, and ideas, strengthen Research Excellence and support the transition to clean energy to attain SDG 7. We are therefore delighted to announce that we have welcomed a new partner into our growing network; Jimma University, Jimma Institute of Technology, which is 350 km south-west of Ethiopian capital city, Addis Ababa.

Dr Emiyamrew Minaye Molla is the director of the Renewable Energy Research, Development and Training Center (RERDTC), which is held within the Jimma Institute of Technology (JiT) at Jimma University (JU). He took the time to share with us a bit more about the university, their programmes for a changing energy sector and their goals for Jimma University and the TEA-LP.

Dr Molla shared that; “The main Challenge [in Ethiopia] is low energy access only [with a] 55% electrification rate with heavy biomass dependence among 45% of the population. Additionally, power outage and reliability problems, power loss (inefficiency) and power fluctuations are the core problems.” JU is actively addressing these issues through the co-design and development of off-grid renewable solutions (solar home systems, agricultural applications), professional capacity building programs, evidence-based research to inform policy and innovative solutions and advocacy for sustainable energy integration.

JU has a robust teaching philosophy of, “We are in the community” which supports relevant curriculums and active student bodies. They also have strong programmes in electrical power engineering and sustainable energy engineering under the of Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering respectively. The Jimma Institute of Technology (JiT) encompasses five faculties, two schools, 13 undergraduate programs, and 48 MSc/PhD programs. Dr Molla further explained that;

“The Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, one of JiT’s five faculties, offers comprehensive programs in power system engineering, control and instrumentation engineering, computer engineering, and electronic communication engineering.”

The Renewable Energy Research, Development and Training Center (RERDTC), established under JiT in 2022, serves as a multidisciplinary nexus that bridges academia and industry through research, training, and consultancy in sustainable energy solutions. Together, these entities form an integrated ecosystem for energy education, innovation, and practical technology deployment.

The RERDTC has four core focus areas (Power, Energy, Environment and Women Empowerment) with three key research thematic areas; i) Renewable energy resource techno-economic assessment and technology adaptation; ii) Energy storage solutions and grid modernisation; iii) Environmental impact assessment of renewable technologies. Jimma Institute of Technology (JiT) students are engaged in the RERDTC through research collaboration where MSc and PhD candidates receiving guidance and funding support for thesis projects aligned with RERDTC’s research themes, industry internships through formal agreements with energy sector partners and community projects, such as developing solar irrigation solutions.

The RERDTC’s most notable achievements to date include;

• Capacity building for 600+ Ethiopian Electric Utility female professionals across STEM, non-STEM, and leadership roles

• Completion of Ethiopia’s first green hydrogen local baseline study

• Implementation of community solar irrigation and solar seed dryer projects for small farm holders

• Strategic partnerships with national energy institutions (Ministry of Water & Energy, Ethiopian Electric Utility, Ethiopian Electric Power) and international universities

As a TEA-LP partner, JiT will have access to our funding calls, networking opportunities and knowledge exchange activities, and we look forward to introducing you to our community and fostering long-lasting connections. We hope to hear more about Ethiopia’s specific energy transition insights and your successful models in gender-inclusive training programs.

In closing, Dr Molla shared: “The RERDTC at Jimma Institute of Technology remains steadfast in its mission to advance Ethiopia’s energy independence through transformative research and human capital development. Strategic partnerships like TEA-LP significantly enhance our capacity to deliver impactful solutions.”

Welcome to the partnership Dr Molla and Jimma University, Jimma Institute of Technology!