REN21 Chairman, Prof. Zervos attends inauguration of Research Center at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM). Dr. Tsipouridis appointed first Director of Center.
The official inauguration of the Renewable Energy & Climate Change Research Center (RECCReC) of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) took place on the 24th of June 2021, in the grounds of TUM in Mombasa.
The President of the Rector's Council of TUM, Dr. Robert Arunga (TUM Council Chair), the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mombasa TUM, Prof. Laila Abubakar, Deputy Vice Chancellor, the deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Peter B. Gichangi, DVC (ARE) TUM, as well as professors, students and staff at the University of Mombasa took part in the inauguration.
The inauguration was also attended by Professor Arthouros Zervos, Chairman of REN21, and a personal friend of Dr. Ioannis Tsipouridis, who was appointed by the University Council, RECCReC’s first Director.
Dr Ioannis Tsipouridis, said of the research center:
"The creation of the Research Center is an effort by the University of Mombasa to open its doors and activities to society and to help address chronic problems faced by the communities in Sub Saharan Africa. However, primarily the Research Center will be targeting the consequences of the no 1 problem of the century, the Climate Crisis, offering mitigation adaptation and building resilience solutions, through utilization of the abundant renewable energy sources in the region.
RES can play a key role in addressing many issues plaguing not only Kenya but all the region, especially in the "clean energy-clean water-sanitation–health-food" nexus.
In sub-Saharan Africa there are almost 600 million of our fellow human beings who have no access at all to energy services and it is obvious that RES can offer unique, clean and affordable answer to this. As energy cuts across all sectors of our lives, providing energy is crucial for any society. Especially for a society that is completely deprived of these services that the rest of us take for granted.
In addition, it is clear that sub-Saharan Africa is currently already suffering from the effects of climate change. The tragedy is that it has made little to no contribution at all, to the creation of the phenomenon of climate change. But the irony, however, is that it is affected far more than countries in the Global North which are primarily responsible for the climate crisis. This is what we call "climate injustice".
The Center for Renewable Resources and Climate Change at the University of Mombasa aims to address these issues and, in order to succeed in its work, relies on collaborations with universities from East Africa, the rest of Africa and around the world. In other words, with all those who would be interested in cooperating with the RECCReC at TUM, in matters of RES and Climate Change and everything related to this crucial for the survival of our species issue.
Personally, having been working with renewables for 42 years, I feel humbled, honored and extremely happy to be given this responsibility. I truly hope that after the end of my 5 years term, the work done will justify those who made this choice."
The inauguration was organised as the highlight of the 3-day 2nd Multidisciplinary Conference of TUM, which had been postponed from March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the inauguration, Professor Arthouros Zervos, Chairman of REN21, gave a presentation of REN21's Renewables 2021 Global Status Report, emphasizing on the findings that concern more the area.
Dr. Tsipouridis, also presented the reasons that make the operation of the Research Center necessary and outlined the vision and focus areas of the Renewable Energy & Climate Change Research Center (RECCReC).
29 June 2021
