The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) recently hosted a landmark Sustainable Energy Lecture organized by its School of Chemical Engineering, highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to addressing global energy challenges through education, research, and innovation. Held in June 2025, this lecture brought together students, faculty, industry experts, and policymakers to explore sustainable energy technologies, their applications, and the critical role chemical engineering plays in advancing clean energy solutions.
The Role of Chemical Engineering in Sustainable Energy
Chemical engineering at FUTO has a rich history dating back to 1987, with a strong focus on modern process engineering and research excellence in areas such as chemical reaction engineering, process plant design, separation processes, and notably, electrochemical energy storage systems. The department’s vision aligns with the university’s mantra, “Driving the Culture of Excellence,” aiming to produce graduates and research outcomes that contribute to Nigeria’s and Africa’s sustainable development.
Sustainable energy is a key area where chemical engineers apply their expertise to develop technologies that reduce environmental impact while meeting growing energy demands. From biofuels and hydrogen production to advanced battery technologies, chemical engineers innovate to make energy cleaner, more efficient, and accessible.
Highlights from the Sustainable Energy Lecture
The lecture featured leading academics and researchers from FUTO’s Department of Chemical Engineering and the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS), a World Bank/AFD-funded initiative dedicated to renewable energy research and skills development in the sub-region. Among the notable speakers was Prof. Kanayo Lucy Oguzie, whose research in green chemistry, electrochemical energy storage, and renewable energy systems has contributed significantly to sustainable energy advancements.
Key topics discussed included:
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Advanced Biofuels: Innovations in producing biofuels from non-food biomass, algae, and waste materials were emphasized as sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, addressing concerns about food security and environmental degradation.
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Hydrogen Energy: The lecture highlighted recent breakthroughs in electrolysis technology that make hydrogen production more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel for transportation and power generation was underscored, alongside challenges in storage and distribution.
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Energy Storage Systems: The role of chemical engineering in developing next-generation batteries, such as lithium-sulfur and solid-state batteries, was explored. These technologies promise higher energy densities and longer lifespans, crucial for integrating intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind into national grids51.
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Carbon Capture and Utilization: Innovative methods for capturing carbon dioxide emissions and converting them into useful products were presented as vital strategies to mitigate climate change while supporting industrial processes.
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Green Chemistry and Pollution Control: The lecture also addressed the development of environmentally friendly chemicals and pollution control techniques, aligning with broader goals of sustainable industrial practices.
FUTO’s Commitment to Research and Innovation
The Department of Chemical Engineering at FUTO is renowned for its cutting-edge research, with faculty actively engaged in multidisciplinary projects spanning chemical and materials engineering. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that integrate theory with practical applications, preparing students for careers in energy, environment, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries.
The Sustainable Energy Lecture exemplifies FUTO’s role as a hub for knowledge and development in renewable energy technologies. Through ACE-FUELS, the university is expanding capacity in future energy systems, fostering collaborations that bridge academia, industry, and government to address regional energy challenges.
Impact on Students and the Wider Community
For students, the lecture provided invaluable exposure to the latest sustainable energy technologies and research trends. It inspired many to pursue careers and research in renewable energy, contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition goals. The event also fostered dialogue on policy and innovation, encouraging participants to think critically about how chemical engineering solutions can be scaled and implemented.
The wider community benefits from FUTO’s emphasis on sustainable energy through the development of technologies that can improve energy access, reduce pollution, and promote economic growth. By training skilled professionals and advancing research, FUTO contributes to national efforts to achieve energy security and environmental sustainability.
Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainable Energy at FUTO
Building on the success of this lecture, FUTO plans to continue hosting seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on sustainable energy and related fields. The university aims to deepen research in emerging areas such as nanotechnology for energy, smart grids, and bioenergy, while strengthening partnerships with international institutions and industry leaders.
FUTO’s Department of Chemical Engineering remains committed to maintaining world-class academic standards and fostering innovation that addresses real-world energy challenges. Through education, research, and community engagement, the department is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future for Nigeria and beyond.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Energy Lecture by FUTO’s School of Chemical Engineering in June 2025 was a landmark event that showcased the university’s leadership in renewable energy research and education. By highlighting advances in biofuels, hydrogen energy, energy storage, and green chemistry, the lecture underscored the vital role of chemical engineering in driving sustainable development.
As global energy needs evolve, FUTO’s commitment to innovation and excellence positions it as a key player in developing clean energy solutions that can transform industries, protect the environment, and improve quality of life. This event not only enriched the academic community but also reinforced the university’s vision of “Driving the Culture of Excellence” in science and technology.
References: 1 Department of Chemical Engineering, FUTO – Vision, History, and Academic Programs
4 Prof. Kanayo Lucy Oguzie and ACE-FUELS Renewable Energy Research at FUTO
5 Innovations in Chemical Engineering: Sustainable Energy Solutions
2 Department of Chemical Engineering Overview, FUTO
3 Chemical Engineering Department Reputation and Research Excellence, FUTO
