Italian multinational energy company Eni has officially launched the Oyo Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the Republic of Congo, aimed at enhancing the central African country’s research and development initiatives regarding clean energy solutions.
Comprising next-generation renewables and energy efficiency technologies, facilities at the center include six laboratories, one conference hall, meeting rooms and an open-air laboratory which host Congolese and African research programs on renewables, biomass and clean cooking.
Developed as part of an agreement signed between Eni and the Congolese government in 2016, the facility aims to advance the integration of energy, water and food production industries to ensure the country balances the achievement of energy security, economic and social development with environmental sustainability.
The innovation center will be operated by the Congolese government through the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, leveraging funding and technical assistance provided by Eni, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of a five-year strategic plan.
The inauguration of the facility was attended by H.E Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo; H.E. Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo; H.E Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo; H.E Emile Ouosso, Minister of Energy and Hydraulics, Republic of Congo; H.E Delphine Edith Emmanuel, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation; and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni.
