GCL-Environmental Sustainability in Scotland and Malawi 20th October 2011

1. Renewable Energy Case Study:
Photovoltaic Energy in the Southern
Region of Malawi
Graham Ault
University of Strathclyde
Global Community Links

2. • 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

3. Partnerships
for Knowledge Sharing
and Capacity Building

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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