ACE-FUELS’s flagship innovation facilities have been officially commissioned by Aliko Dangote, Nigerian businessman and Africa’s richest man.
ACE-FUELS stands for the ‘African Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems.’ Based at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, it was established to fill a skills and education gap in the field of renewable energies, aiming to address poor energy access in the region.
ElectroLab X, the centre’s new facilities, will accelerate energy innovation and local manufacturing within Africa. The cutting-edge equipment and experimental tools will be used to create real-world solutions to power Africa’s clean energy future. The laboratories are designed to support:
- Advanced battery technologies (including sodium-ion and beyond-lithium systems)
- Next-generation solar cell development (including perovskite technologies)
- Materials degradation and corrosion research
- Circular economy and clean energy innovations
TEA@SUNRISE is thrilled to see such world-class facilities established in Nigeria. Local development of technologies will ensure they are suitable for local contexts, as well as retaining more of the supply chain within the continent, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
Aliko Dangote GCON, President and Chief Exec of the Dangote group, received a tour of the new facilities at the commissioning on the 25th of April. He praised the centre’s vision, world-class infrastructure, and strong alignment with industrial priorities in energy, manufacturing, and sustainability.
The Centre Leader, Prof Emeka Oguzie, said of the new facilities:
“ElectroLab X is more than a laboratory; it is a platform for transformative research, capacity building, and industrial partnership. We are excited about the opportunities this engagement with Dangote Group presents for scaling solutions that address Africa’s energy and materials challenges.”
ACE-FUELS acknowledges the support of partners and stakeholders including: Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote Foundation, World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), UK in Nigeria (UK High Commission), South East Development Commission (SEDC), National Universities Commission (NUC), TEA@SUNRISE, and TEA-LP. Their support continues to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate impact across Africa’s energy landscape.
Right: Prof Emeka Oguzie, Centre Lead at ACE-FUELS, giving Aliko Dangote a tour of the new facilities. (Credit: ACE-FUELS)
