BRIEF HISTORY

The Centre for Energy Research (CER) of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) came to being in 1999 through the efforts of the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. S. Sambo who currently occupies the seat of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Abuja. It was an offshoot of the Energy Group, which was established in 1997 and headed by Prof. A. A. Asere. In 1999 when the centre became fully functional, Prof. M. I. Onogu became the Director. He served for four years. The current Director is Dr. Adisa A. Bello. The Centre is located on the Yelwa Campus of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University , adjacent to the university printing press.

The main objective of the CER is to address renewable and non-renewable energy sources to support national development. The Centre has been undertaking research, development and demonstration and training in the renewable and non-renewable energy sources. It has been involved in the promotion and adoption of such technologies for development in our rural remote communities. Promotion of efficient utilization of energy resources for household and services sector of the economy has also been of concern to the CER.

OBJECTIVES

•  Adoption of renewable energy technologies for development in our rural communities

•  Reduction and elimination of environmental degradation related to energy production, distribution and consumption (e.g. deforestation, air water and land pollution).

•  Encourage Governments at all levels and NGOs in utilization of renewable energy resources to reduce over dependence on the national electric supply.

•  Research and development in renewable energy sources and production.

•  Efficient utilization of energy resources for household and services sector of the economy.

Conservation of petroleum resources in such a manner that will lead to their continuous exploration for foreign exchange earnings.

VISION

To research and develop environmentally friendly and efficient energy resources and devices for sustainable rural and semi - urban development.

MISSION

To become a focal national energy resources and planning centre with emphasis on rural infrastructure development with ecosystem protection.