Bahir Dar Energy Centre (BEC) is a research center established in Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT) , Bahir Dar University, which offers a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering since February 2009 G.C., and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in Sustainable Energy Engineering from January 2018 G.C. The Master of Science and the PhD programs in Sustainable Energy Engineering were developed based on a set of desirable features gleaned from the review of existing programs and the needs assessment of Ethiopia. The Master of Science Program was launched in Feb 2009 GC with an inaugural class of 10 students. The purpose of the SEE program is to provide state of the art education in the fields of power generation, and energy utilization in the built environment by means of economically and environmentally sustainable systems and technologies which fall under the umbrella of the concept of appropriate technology.
Bahir Dar Energy Centre has four research groups, which the students can subscribe to and are listed below:-
- Solar Energy
- Bio-energy Technology
- Energy Efficient Cooking and Lighting Technology
- Wind Energy and Mini hydropower
These groups have been coordinating different researchs. There is a call of proposals at the beginning of the academic year, the submitted proposal evaluated throughly and the selected ones allowed to commence on.
Community engagement and technology transfer are also the main objectives of the center. The center has reached the community in different areas. To mention a few :
- Design and Development of Solar Based DC/AC Power Supply to light and Charge Electronic device for Small rural community in Dangla, Amhara region;
- Design and Installation of Solar (Photovoltaic) Powered Lighting System for Intons Eyesus Island of Lake Tana;
- Training on fuel saving stoves production and proper utilization for women in selected kebele of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda;
- Community service on Institutional Mirt Stove for Daga Estifanos Monastry;
- Foot open-close water fetching for condominium sites of Bahir Dar University;
- Biogas plant, Biogas Stove and Biogas Injera Mitad Maintenance in Mecha Woreda;
In addition to the abovementioned focus areas, the center has offered post graduate studies in Sustainable Energy Engineering.
The MSc programme in Sustainable Energy Engineering delivered in regular, weekend, and summer programs. More than 50 students has graduated, and working on universities, governmental and privately owned companies.
The doctor of philosophy in Sustainable Energy Engineering program has been taught for five years. Currently there are more than 10 PhD candidates working on energy storage, wind and mini hydro energy, solar energy and its application. There research work published in reputable journals. Two doctors have graduated in this 2021/2022 academic year, and more to come in the near future.
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