Staff from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE) are working with local communities, education institutes and national ministries in The Gambia and Malawi to establish models for sustainable renewable energy development through the installation of solar panels in rural communities. The projects focus on strong community involvement in the supply of electricity, from scoping and design to installation and in-life maintenance. University staff work with the communities and their respective governments’ Energy Departments to establish resources, training and support for rural communities to own and benefit from their own solar-powered electricity supply. The solar power systems bring energy and the potential for income-generating enterprises to pay for the installation, while also allowing better on-site health care (drug refrigeration, lighting for emergency operations), and education (extending school usage hours through provision of lighting).
Awarded date
16 Jun 2010
Granting Organisations
Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges c