Renewables Forum

The water, food security and energy nexus according to the Food And Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), means that water security, food security and energy security are linked to one another, and that the actions in any one particular area can often have effects in one or both of the other areas.

Drawing upon the experience and expertise of practitioners from Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Scotland, the forum heard from members and partners addressing this critical interconnectivity, and what it means for Malawi.

Chaired by Prof. Stuart Galloway, Professor of Compact Power Systems and Vice Dean: Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Strathclyde, in-person presentations were made by:

• The Global Renewables Centre (GRC)
  
• The Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA)
• Tiyeni
• The Zambian Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA)
• Energy Private Developers Association Rwanda (EPD)

More details below:

• The Global Renewables Centre (GRC) “provides a hub for facilitating knowledge exchange between stakeholders in international development partner countries and the Scottish Renewables Sector, offering networking, shared learning, and resources that enhance global citizenship and enables increased deployment of sustainable energy. The GRC is hosted online by Strathclyde University and funded by the Scottish Government.” Global Renewables Centre (GRC)

• The Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) “was established in 1999 with the explicit aim of promoting renewable energy technologies (RETs) in a sustainable manner to the satisfaction of consumers in Malawi.” Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA).

• Tiyeni are “a Malawian NGO with a UK funding arm. We show farmers how to improve their crop yields, using an extremely low-cost, low-technology set of methods that we have pioneered. It is an advanced and highly effective form of Conservation Agriculture (CA)”.
  * Tiyeni
  * Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program
  * Project team | Aftrak | Loughborough University

• The Zambian Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA) are “committed to transforming Zambia’s energy landscape by promoting and advocating for the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions. As an association dedicated to the advancement of sustainable energy practices, we strive to create a greener and more prosperous future for our nation.” ZARENAYP

• Energy Private Developers Association Rwanda (EPD) are “committed to develop sustainable energy projects that promote a low-carbon future. Our projects are designed to meet the needs of communities and businesses, while also contributing to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” EPD Website - Rwanda

Recorded Video

Missed this meeting? You can find the recording on this page with the below time stamps

Agenda

0:00 Welcome and overview - Natasha Maluza, Communication and Engagement Officer, SMP
03:05 Chair’s opening comments - Prof Stuart Galloway, y, Professor of Compact Power Systems and Vice Dean: Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Strathclyde
15:21 Mr. Soustain Chigalu, REIAMA President - Best Practice for Solar Irrigation
29:04 Alex Gerard, Executive Director, Tiyeni - Hello from Stellenbosch
29:42 Rosa Balliro, Fundraising Manager, Tiyeni - Aftrak: A Solar Solution to Food & Energy Insecurity in Africa
36:31 Ms Chikuku Katebe, Programme Manager, Zambian Renewable Energy Association - Learning on Agri-Energy from Zambia
39:00 Ms Chilombo Chila, Zambian Renewable, Energy Association- Energy and Culture situation in Zambia
43:32 Serge Wilson Muhizi, CEO, Energy Private, Developers Association Rwanda - Learning on Agri-Energy from Rwanda
59:33 Jakub Vrba, Senior Research Lead, International Energy Saving Trust - Solar-powered irrigation for smallholder farmers in Malawi
01:08:27 Members’ comments, questions and contributions
01:38:00 Closing remarks Stuart Brown, CEO, SMP