Nanotech: The Key to a Greener Energy Future – Prof. Owusu Boadi (International Edition)
By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The professor of chemistry and vice-dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, has highlighted the significant impact that nanotechnology can have in promoting sustainable energy solutions in Ghana and throughout Africa.
During his Professorial Inaugural Lecture at KNUST, Professor Owusu Boadi highlighted that nanotechnology—which is frequently called ‘the science of the unseen’—is crucial for developing more effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
His lecture, titled
‘Heading towards inclusive renewable energy for everyone: utilizing the force of the unseen titans,’
tracked the development of nanomaterials from their early beginnings through to their advanced uses in contemporary energy solutions.
As he points out, nanotechnology has the potential to greatly boost the effectiveness of solar cells, increase battery efficiency, and refine fuel cell technology—elements crucial for shifting towards a more sustainable and robust energy industry.
“Even though Ghana and numerous African nations receive ample sunlight, access to solar power stays restricted because traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells come at a steep price. However, nanomaterials present an encouraging substitute that might reduce expenses and boost effectiveness, thereby increasing the availability of solar energy,” he pointed out.
Professor Owusu Boadi urged the government to significantly increase investment in researching and developing nanomaterials for energy production.
He similarly called upon regulatory entities like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ghana Standards Authority to develop scientifically grounded safety protocols for manufacturing, utilizing, and disposing of nanomaterials—ensuring these align with global best standards.
He also suggested forming a National Nanotechnology Research Center, which would be led by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), working alongside the Ministry of Finance, educational institutions, and representatives from various industries.
He clarified that this center would promote locally developed innovations and help bring nanotechnology-based energy solutions to market, specifically addressing Ghana’s requirements.
Professor Owusu Boadi further emphasized the extensive uses of nanotechnology outside the realm of energy. Within the medical field, nanomaterials aid in early detection via improved diagnostic imagery and assist in regenerating tissues.
In environmental science, these applications are employed for purifying water and cleaning up hazardous waste. Additionally, the electronics sector benefits from more efficient semiconductors, as well as precise sensors; meanwhile, the textiles industry profits from smarter and antimicrobial fabrics.
Moreover, Professor Owusu Boadi noted that although Ghana has achieved significant progress in electrification with an 85.1% access rate as of 2022, numerous rural areas continue to struggle with unreliable power supply.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 600 million individuals still lack access to electricity. He stated that this disparity represents not only a challenge but also numerous opportunities.
“Through investment in nanotechnology, Ghana has the potential to spearhead the creation of sustainable, domestically-generated energy solutions. These efforts could not only bridge this gap but also establish the nation as a center for environmentally-friendly innovation,” he highlighted.
Professor Nathaniel Owusu Boadi – a chemistry professor and the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences at KNUST.
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