Genser Energy has donated a gas turbine package to the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) in the Western Region, to enhance hands-on learning and research for students and teaching staff of the institution.

The 5.2-megawatt gas turbine comprises a gas turbine ancillary, generator, reduction gearbox, air inlet filter system/duct/ventilator, fuel conditioning system, lube oil cooler system and hurst boiler that will help the students to understand the processes of generating power on-site.

The donation is premised on Genser’s dedication to supporting technical education in Ghana.

At a brief ceremony to hand over the turbine to the university on Tuesday (25 September), Daniel Ayi, the Vice-President of Operations, at Genser Energy Ghana Ltd, said the gesture by the independent power producer is aimed at building the technical capacity of students.

“This gas turbine package is not only a piece of machinery; it is a powerful tool for hands-on learning,” said Ayi.

“It will provide students with practical knowledge and skills that will prepare them for real-world challenges.”

“This kind of experiential learning is invaluable - it bridges the gap between theory and practice, creating a holistic educational environment reflecting Genser Energy’s dedication to nurturing technical knowledge and fostering talent,” Ayi added.

According to him, the donation is part of Genser’s determination to propel Ghana to embark on a journey that will empower the next generation of engineers and innovators.

For his part, Rev Prof John Frank Eshun, the Vice-Chancellor of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), expressed his profound gratitude to Genser for the invaluable support to the university.

Rev Prof Eshun said in this digital age of rapid technological advancement, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever before and that it is imperative that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge and attitude to thrive in this evolving landscape.

“However, this task cannot be achieved by this institution alone. It requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, especially industry to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work and that is exactly what Genser Energy Ltd has done today,” Rev Prof Eshun stated.

He said the equipment will undoubtedly enhance the quality of education and research in the university.

“It will further empower the Faculty of Engineering to provide hands-on training and practical experiences to our students… and I’m confident that our students will rise to the occasion and use this equipment to push the boundaries of innovation and knowledge,” Rev Prof Eshun noted.

The gas turbine package, he stated, has come at a critical stage of the technical university having recently been accredited to start a new Masters programme in power production systems.

He promised that TTU would make good use of the gas turbine machines to advance the use of technology to shape and drive Ghana’s development.

“I would like to thank Genser Energy Ghana Ltd for this kind gesture. Looking at the value of the equipment, we have to ensure that we put it to good use,” Prof Eshun added.

Speaking to the media after the event, Daniella Akowuah, the Supply Chain Manager at Genser Energy, said building the capacity of the Ghanaian youth is one of the cardinal goals of the energy firm.

“At Genser Energy, we have a culture of giving a lot of opportunities for young ones in the industry to acquire hands-on skills.  We believe this donation will go a long way to boost technical education in Ghana,” she said.

Students of TTU were also grateful to Genser Energy for their kind support, saying the equipment is a game-changer and will go a long way to broaden their technical knowledge for the job market.

“It will go a long way to enhance teaching and learning methods since we are much focused on competence-based training,” Ebenezer Mensah, a second-year student reading Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at TTU, said.

Over 80% of Genser Energy’s staff is Ghanaian as it strives to give more opportunities to locals to work in providing energy solutions to the industrial and mining sectors of Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Earlier this year the company completed 110km of natural gas pipeline construction in Ghana and the average age of the teams was 32.