Sustainable futures
African SCENe: bringing clean energy to low-income communities in Nairobi
Millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to reliable and affordable energy. An international partnership featuring researchers from the University of Nottingham hopes Nairobi’s community-based, green energy hubs will be a model to address this challenge.
The Challenge: energy poverty in Nairobi's low-income communities
Low-income communities in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, like millions of people across Africa, grapple with energy poverty, lacking access to reliable and affordable electricity. This reality is particularly harsh in marginalised suburban communities, where residents often rely on expensive and polluting sources of energy like kerosene for lighting and cooking. The consequences are widespread, impacting health, education and overall quality of life.
Access to clean, affordable energy is a fundamental right and as a key driver of sustainable development is enshrined as one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The University of Nottingham, with its expertise in renewable energy solutions, has partnered with African researchers on a project in Nairobi aimed at illuminating the path towards a brighter future for similar communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Response: African SCENe - Building Clean Energy Hub
The university has played a pivotal role in the African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project. This 12-month feasibility study focused on identifying schools within low-income suburban communities in Nairobi, with the potential to become clean energy hubs. These hubs would not only serve as educational institutions but also transform into vital centres for generating, storing, and distributing clean, renewable energy for the surrounding communities.
Our researchers brought their expertise in renewable energy technologies and community development to the project. Here's a closer look at our contributions:
- Identifying Suitable Schools: A key aspect of the project was selecting schools with the necessary infrastructure and space to house renewable energy generation systems. Nottingham researchers, in collaboration with local partners, conducted a comprehensive assessment of schools in targeted communities, evaluating factors like roof space, potential energy needs, and community engagement potential.
- Designing Clean Energy Solutions: Once suitable schools were identified, our expertise came into play. Researchers explored various renewable energy options, including solar photovoltaic systems and potentially wind or micro-hydro solutions depending on site suitability. The goal was to design a sustainable and cost-effective system that could meet the energy demands of the school and surrounding community.
- Energy Storage and Distribution: Generating clean energy is just one step. Nottingham researchers also explored energy storage solutions like battery banks to ensure consistent power availability during low sunshine hours. The project also looked at developing microgrids for efficient distribution of the generated energy to households and businesses in the surrounding area.
- Community Engagement and Capacity Building: A cornerstone of the African SCENe project was the active involvement of the local community. Nottingham researchers, alongside their Kenyan counterparts, prioritised community engagement initiatives. This included workshops, seminars, and training programs to educate residents about the benefits of clean energy and equip them with the skills necessary to operate and maintain the proposed energy hubs.
Potential Impact: Lighting Up Lives and Empowering Communities
The African SCENe project holds immense potential to transform the lives of residents in Nairobi's low-income communities. Here's a glimpse of the anticipated benefits:
- Improved Access to Clean Energy: The project aims to provide a reliable and affordable source of clean energy for lighting, cooking, and other essential needs. This will significantly improve the quality of life for residents, reducing reliance on harmful and expensive options like kerosene.
- Education and Empowerment: Schools transformed into clean energy hubs can foster a culture of sustainability and environmental awareness. Students can participate in the operation and maintenance of the systems, gaining valuable skills and fostering a sense of ownership. The project also aims to create educational programs for the broader community, promoting responsible energy consumption and empowering residents to advocate for clean energy solutions.
- Economic Opportunities: The project has the potential to create new job opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and operation of clean energy systems. Additionally, access to reliable energy can stimulate local businesses and economic activity within the communities.
- Sustainable Development: By promoting clean energy solutions, the African SCENe project contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. This includes goals related to affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
Lorna Kiamba
Dr Lorna Kiamba is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Design and Architecture at the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. Her focus on environmental design and sustainability stems from her conviction to improve awareness of issues impacting the environment, and the actions that built environment professionals can take to improve and sustain it.
Email: L.Kiamba@nottingham.ac.uk