Renewable energy research from the University formed a major part of the second African Mini Grid Summit, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya (from 18 to 20 November).
The Summit, which was chaired by Professor Abubakr Bahaj, Head of the University’s Energy and Climate Change Division and the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG), was set up to share experiences and best practice in mini grids, especially those related to low carbon renewable energy schemes in Africa.
Only 15 per cent of people living in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa have electrical grid access compared to 70 per cent of people living in urban areas.
The University has deployed six mini grid projects in Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda, which provide sustainable business models and learning opportunities for energy access in Africa. The Summit culminated in a site visit to one of the projects in Kitonyoni, Makueni County, Kenya, where delegates can see first-hand the work being done and discuss the project and its impacts directly with the community.
Professor Bahaj said:
“The rural poor must have a voice to support their development through the provision of energy within their communities. This Summit provides a needed avenue to allow the global society to support such needs.”