Bringing wind power to some of Africa?s poorest people

“In Mozambique, the expansion of clean and sustainable energy – such as micro wind power – offer clear advantages in addressing climate change and energy poverty”, says Jason Morenikeji from TCEI. He adds that Mozambique has 2,800km of coast-line, many inland lakes and highland which contribute to its localised wind patterns.

Having electricity for the first time ever can revitalise the whole community. Morenikeji recalls a time on an island off the Mozambique coast where he installed a photovoltaic solar power security light.

“At sun-set on the first day, some kids came to play in its light. After a while, other people gathered to talk and share stories. With time, some street vendors came to sell snacks and soft drinks, someone brought some seats…a whole vibrant street night-market emerged in three to four days. It was amazing, just from having one artificial light at night.”

Renewable World and TCEI hope that the project will be replicable in other communities.

“I want to demonstrate that social entrepreneurship and innovation can provide market-based innovative renewable energy products and services that can be profitable and scaled-up,” Morenikeji says. “I’m also hoping TCEI can help equip individuals with a sustainable and valuable infrastructure, localised capacity building and income generation skills.”

For the last few years European Wind Energy Association has been supporting the work of UK-based charity Renewable World. Renewable World tackles poverty in developing countries, working with local partners to provide affordable renewable energy systems (wind turbines, solar energy, hydro and biogas) for remote off-grid communities.

Sarah Azau, blog.ewea.org/