Shanghai University of Electric Power (SUEP) to Support UoN Establish Micro-Grid for Training Engineers
The collaboration between Shanghai University of Electric Power (SUEP) and the University of Nairobi (UoN) which has been in existence for more than six years, today received a good boost when Vice President of SUEP, Prof. Fu Yang, announced that they shall support the establishment of A Smart Micro- Grid at the University of Nairobi department of electrical Engineering to be used as an infrastructure for training engineering students.
This strategic partnership is poised to foster robust academic exchanges and innovative research cooperation between the two esteemed institutions. The team from SUEP was accompanied by the CEO of Yocean group, led by Dylan Yu, who promised that his company would work with the two Universities in a tripartite industry-academia partnership. Yocean Group is a local Chinese Company Manufacturing Smart Transformers and Meters for the regional market.
The CEO, who is an alumnus of SUEP, promised to work with the faculty of engineering in order to collaborate in research, and provide internship and attachment opportunities for UoN students. Professor Fu Yang, Vice President of Shanghai University of Electric Power, highlighted that SUEP is the only Smart Micro-Grid University in China and its recognized as a Ministry of Education Energy Efficiency Leader Demonstration Project. He further said that the university has a rich history, having been established in 1951, as a full-time institution of higher education co-run by the central government and the Shanghai municipality, renowned for its expertise in electric power and its crucial role in China's energy sector talent development.
This partnership marks a new chapter for both institutions, promising to bring together diverse perspectives and strengths in education and scientific advancement," said Professor Yang. He elaborated on key areas of proposed collaboration, including but not limited to micro-grid construction at the University of Nairobi campus, joint research programs on new energy development, joint scientific publications, participation of senior staff in international workshops and seminars on electric power sector, and the negotiation for a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will bring onboard industry partners.
Meanwhile, Professor Margret J. Hutchinson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, expressed her appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing the resilience of universities globally and the importance of each nation championing its transformative agenda. She further noted that the relationship between Kenya and China is ascending to a higher level, and, therefore, academic institutions in Kenya and China should emulate the two governments and work together to deepen international relations between the two countries. She emphasized that the strategic partnership between UoN and SUEP is expected to significantly contribute to advancements in energy technology and academic excellence in both China and Kenya.
Professor Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nairobi, warmly welcomed the Shanghai delegation, affirming the faculty's capacity for micro-grid development and expressing enthusiasm for SUEP's technical support on such projects. The delegation from China included Professor Xu, Xinyan, and Professor Xu, Qun-jie, Professor Tan Kehui and Shurong Wei from Shanghai University of Electric Power. The following were present from the University of Nairobi, Dr. Omondi, Dr. Njoroge Mwaura, Dr. Nyete, and Mr. John O. Orindi.
