Abuja, Nigeria | July 2025 — As part of its commitment to scale advanced research capacity and foster global partnerships, the African Centre of Excellence for Future Energies & Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS) has completed a landmark technical mission to Ankara, Turkey, focused on equipment acquisition and engagement with leading Turkish institutions.
In a major boost to its clean energy R&D infrastructure, ACE-FUELS has acquired a state-of-the-art thermal evaporator system from NANOVAK Ar-Ge AŞ, a premier Turkish manufacturer of vacuum-based deposition technologies.
A high-level team from ACE-FUELS visited the NANOVAK Facility at Hacettepe Üniversitesi Teknokent, where they conducted factory inspection, hands-on technical training, and operational familiarization with the equipment. The visit was graciously hosted by Dr. Zafer Durosy, founder of NANOVAK, who shared visionary insights on advancing thin-film innovation.
The ACE-FUELS team also evaluated and tested additional cutting-edge equipment, including NANOVAK’s space simulator—an advanced platform capable of replicating harsh extraterrestrial environments for material durability and performance testing.
“Our partnership with NANOVAK represents a strategic enhancement of our research infrastructure, positioning ACE-FUELS at the forefront of experimental materials science in Africa,” said Prof. Emeka Oguzie, ACE-FUELS Centre Leader. “This advanced thermal evaporator will significantly expand our capabilities in materials research, especially for next-generation energy devices.”
The visit also enabled fruitful diplomatic and scientific engagements, including a high-level exploratory session at ODTÜ-GÜNAM – the Centre for Solar Energy Research and Applications at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara.
Recognized as Turkey’s leading national R&D centre for solar energy, GÜNAM conducts groundbreaking research in: Photovoltaic technologies, Concentrated solar thermal systems, High-performance buildings, and Smart grids and cities.
At GÜNAM, Prof. Oguzie held productive discussions with Prof. Selçuk Yerci, Director of the Centre, exploring areas for mutual collaboration in solar innovation, joint research, and capacity building. Notably, both institutions agreed to co-develop proposals for EU–AU grants, including Horizon Europe and Africa–Europe Innovation Partnership programs.
This mission has laid the foundation for a robust Africa–Turkey scientific exchange, aligned with global sustainable energy goals. Key focus areas identified include:
– Joint research and co-publications
– Exchange programs for researchers and students
– Shared access to research infrastructure
– Localization of technologies for emerging energy markets
“By working with globally respected institutions like GÜNAM and NANOVAK, ACE-FUELS is not only strengthening its research base but also building scientific bridges across continents,” added Prof. Oguzie.
This initiative reinforces ACE-FUELS’ mandate to build Pan-African leadership in energy materials and systems, while affirming its rising stature in global scientific diplomacy.
Follow ACE-FUELS as we accelerate the development of transformative energy technologies and strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond.
