- As China, Canada, Others Scramble For Indigenous Fuel-less Generator
BY PATRICK MGBODO
DELTA State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, has once again placed Delta State on the global innovation map with the invention of a ground-breakingfuel less generator, with nations scrambling for its patent.
Spearheaded by the institution’s Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, the technology is attracting attention from foreign governments, major media outlets, and private investors keen on harnessing this breakthrough in power generation.
The revolutionary generator, which has the potential to cut down the polytechnic’s diesel expenses by over 80 per cent, operates without conventional fuel and recharges autonomously, offering a potentially transformative energy solution.
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri disclosed the journey and implications of this invention in an interview following his recognition by The Pointer Newspaper with an Award of Excellence in Public Service.
“The concept was sparked in 2009 during an American-sponsored visit to explore advanced power generation methods,” Prof. Ufuophu-Biri explained. “After being awarded ‘African Broadcast Lecturer of the Year,’ I was flown across the U.S., visiting high-tech facilities like those in Austin, Texas.
‘’Witnessing innovative energy solutions, I returned with an idea to introduce something similar here, but the initial proposal was overlooked. Years later, as Rector, I revisited this vision amid soaring energy costs, not with conventional solar or fossil fuels, but with something unprecedented.
‘’After a year of meticulous research and funding, our team at Delta Polytechnic achieved what we now proudly call the fuelless generator.”
‘’The generator has since garnered international interest from diverse quarters, including China, Canada, and several states in Nigeria. Even the BBC took note, travelling to Nigeria to capture the technology in action.
‘While the polytechnic has kept the generator’s mechanics confidential to protect against intellectual property theft, Prof. Ufuophu-Biri confirmed that the machine has been tested to run continuously for 21 hours, establishing a level of reliability that could disrupt current power generation norms.
“Media exposure, including a significant presentation at our inaugural lecture attended by the Commissioner for Higher Education, only heightened interest,” he added. “We have received inquiries worldwide—China, Awka, Nnewi, and as far as Canada. Yet, without full government endorsement and patent rights secured, we’ve refrained from disclosing the generator’s inner workings.”
Highlighting the project’s significance, the Rector recounted a recent invitation to Kenya to discuss the invention, where he fielded numerous questions from curious technologists.
“People were eager to uncover the generator’s technology,” Prof. Ufuophu-Biri recounted. “But we maintained our confidentiality. Our primary focus is to acquire government approval for ownership rights, after which we will work toward mass production.”
