Commonwealth Scholar Collen Zalengera (MSc in Renewable Energy, Loughborough University) has launched a project where renewable energy technologies will be installed in a community to meet the various energy needs of the people.
The project will involve solar lighting using solar lanterns and PV modules for households, schools, and health centres; biogas production from animal waste for cooking; solar and wind water pumping for clean water supply and irrigation agriculture; water harvesting technologies and drip irrigation.
The objective of the project is to demonstrate and use renewable energy technologies in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Energy poverty in Malawi is a very serious problem mainly at a domestic level in the rural areas. Women travel for an average of 10-15 kilometres to fetch firewood and this reduces the time they spend in income generating activities and family activities. The project is to be funded by Empower Projects of Australia.
