The Scottish government is to provide £100,000 to support community energy schemes in Malawi.
International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said the support for the Community Energy Malawi (CEM) initiative will mean rural communities have continued access to electricity in schools, clinics and homes, improving education, healthcare and communication.
This money will allow CEM, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, to continue support for 43 Scottish government-funded community energy installations in 12 districts across Malawi up to the end of April 2017.
It will also enable on-going training for these communities in the operation and maintenance of the systems.
Allan said: “Between 2012 and 2015, we provided £2.3m funding to the Malawi Renewable Energy Access Programme, which brought new energy access to nearly 80,000 rural Malawians through a range of technologies from solar powered schemes to fuel efficient cook stoves.
“The funding for Community Energy Malawi will allow them to continue their work of supporting community-level energy access.”
Image: Malawi hydro project site (Sgurr)
Malawi seals community backing
Scottish government to provide £100,000 for local energy schemes
By EBS