Renewable Energy Case Study: Photovoltaic Energy in the Southern

Region of Malawi

Graham Ault

University of Strathclyde

Global Community Links

• Project funded by the Scottish Government in October 2008 for 2 ½ years

• University of Strathclyde researcher (Damien Frame) based in Malawi and working with partners for one year

• Associated training being provided to/by Malawian partners

Partnerships for Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

CRED Approach

Community Energy Committee formed to encourage and supervise correct use of the system, carry out simple maintenance, promote and undertake income generation activities, alert the field worker in case of any issues and to record all the above in log books.

Energy Committees supported by a trained field worker who is supported by skilled engineers/project managers who can provide expert advice and coordinate technicians and suppliers.

Outcomes so far

• 8 installations with lights, AC power, fridges (6 villages with 8 school and health post pilot installations in Malawi

• 100 mini home solar units distributed/sold in Malawi – more on the way

• 6 x 10 member Energy Committees elected, trained and established for over 2 years in Malawi

• Support chain of field worker and local project management

• Building evidence base for sustainable model through monitoring & evaluation

Outcomes so far

• Established process of data collection (socio-economic) data logged by Energy Committees and analysed by project team: solar irradiation, system V/I/SOC, system status, reliability, revenue generation/banking

• Over 60,000 sudent-hours of additional evening study

• Approx 1000 kWh energy consumed by communities in Malawi

• Over MWK 200,000 (approx £1000) earned from income generation

• Over 7,000 phones charged

• Medical clinics enabled for vaccines and night treatments

Workshop discussion

• What are the most appropriate energy technologies for Malawian communities?

• What are the ingredients for sustainable development of energy in Malawian communities?

• What Scotland-Malawi partnerships would accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy in Malawi?

Global Community Links