The project has helped businesses in Malawi to generate electricity from solar power. A solar power project to connect villages in Malawi has had a “life-changing” impact for rural communities. The initiative, led by Strathclyde University researchers, has seen affordable energy supply businesses set up in four villages. The partnership, which has been backed by a £600,000 grant from the Scottish government, ensures locals own and operate the equipment. It includes battery chargers and power connections for other small businesses. Only 12% of Malawi’s 18 million population is connected to the main electricity grid, which dips to 2% in rural areas. For the vast majority the main energy source is open fires, which puts pressure on the country’s forests.
BBC 21st Jan 2019 read more »
