Powering Futures: How Genser Energy Is Fueling Education And Opportunity In Ghana

UMaT Natural Gas Engineering Students Visit Genser Energy Operations

Education is crucial for national progress. In Ghana, the energy sector is evolving quickly. The demand for skilled professionals is increasing. One private company is helping bridge the gap between education and industry.

Genser Energy is a diversified energy provider. They are transforming technical education in Ghana. The company invests in infrastructure and people. Through partnerships with universities, they offer hands-on training to future engineers and technicians.

A Classroom Beyond Walls

Since starting its industrial training program, Genser has helped over 400 students. These students come from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), UMaT, and Takoradi Technical University (TTU). They gain on-site experience at operational hubs like GP Damang and GP Wassa.

Daniel Ayi, Vice President of Operations at Genser Energy, said, “We provide practical skills that complement academic knowledge.” This approach is changing lives for many students.

Emmanuel Mensah, a final-year mechanical engineering student at UMaT, found his visit transformative. He said, “Before visiting Genser, I only understood energy systems in theory.” Seeing the operations up close inspired him greatly.

Akua Nkrumah from TTU echoed similar feelings. She stated that seeing female engineers thrive motivates her to aim higher.

Prioritizing Health, Safety, and Environment Training

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) training is vital during site visits. Every student undergoes comprehensive HSE training before entering the sites. This ensures they understand safety protocols.

Ayi emphasized that safety is part of their culture. “We instill this mindset in our employees,” he said. Continuous training sessions reinforce safety practices among staff.

Stephen Davor, HSE Superintendent at Genser Energy added: “Our goal is to make safety second nature.” HSE awareness protects lives and ensures sustainable operations.

Investing in Tools and Dreams

Genser’s contributions extend beyond experiential learning. In 2023, they donated a gas turbine package worth $1.2 million to TTU—the first of its kind in Ghana. This equipment reshapes the school’s engineering curriculum significantly.

Dr. Kwasi Boateng from TTU noted that this equipment gives students a competitive edge globally. Annie Andoh from TTU expressed excitement about learning skills most students can only read about.

Learning from Experts

Genser also engages industry professionals for classroom sessions. Recently, over 150 students learned about oil and gas terminal operations through a seminar with Carlos Estaban Laya Marquez from Genser Energy.

Laya Marquez shared his honor in teaching the next generation in Ghana: “It’s both an honor and a privilege.” Afterward, students visited Genser’s Takoradi Natural Gas Liquids Terminal project site under construction.

The TNET facility will enhance Ghana's energy infrastructure by providing critical storage solutions for natural gas liquids (NGLs).

Global Partnerships with Cross-Cultural Impact

Genser's mission extends beyond Ghana through global collaborations. A recent partnership with Georgetown University involved sustainable energy projects over several months.

Georgetown students toured Genser's power plants during their weeklong trip to Ghana in 2024. Courtney Mawet remarked on how welcoming the team was during their visit to industrial sites.

Abigail Smith noted that seeing these sites complemented their coursework on clean energy transition topics perfectly.

Developing Talent Internally

Alongside external partnerships, Genser focuses on internal capacity building too. They collaborate with the University of Florida for executive education programs for select employees.

These initiatives keep Genser's workforce competitive within the global energy industry while fostering innovation.

Ayi stated: “Training future engineers while investing in existing talent keeps us agile.” This dual approach prepares them for future challenges effectively.

A Long-Term Vision Rooted in Innovation

Genser’s investment reflects a belief that Ghana’s future lies within its youth potential. By exposing young people to industrial operations early on, they contribute to social mobility and economic resilience.

“Education is at the core of our mission,” Ayi concluded about nurturing talent for Ghana’s energy transition.

Genser Energy continues seeking innovative ways to keep its programs relevant amid global changes—powering not just the energy grid but also Ghana's future itself.