By Busiso Kaunda

Mzuzu, June 10, Mana: Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) has called on the public to consider generating and utilizing renewable energy amidst limited power supply in the country.

REIAMA Programs Coordinator, Charles Dakalira, made the remarks recently in Mzuzu at the close of an exhibition of renewable energy technologies, an event which brought together various players in the said field of technology from the north.

Dakalira said the event, which run from June 4 to 8, aimed at creating awareness on the availability of affordable and reliable energy options, apart from relying on Escom’s power supply.

“This is the first time we are conducting such an event in Mzuzu and we turned the outside area of Mzuzu Shoprite Mall into a busy clean energy solutions hub for the days we have been,” said Dakalira.

He went on: “Through this event, we hope to educate communities, support local innovations and connect people to energy solutions that work.”  

Among the exhibiting companies was H and F Solar Solutions and the company’s exhibitions include invertors, solar panels, fans, and pump controllers, among others.

“We brought all of these tools which look simple but they are life-changing and the idea is to woo people who patronized the event to switch from using candles, charcoal and fuel wood, to solar power which is clean,” said Nathaniel Nyirenda, founder of the company.

Other exhibiting companies included Moto Rhino Malawi with modern solar transportation facilities such as electric boats and motorcycles; Sunny Money, with affordable solar lighting focusing on schools, health facilities, and women, with a vision of reaching out to as many people as possible.

A lecturer in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering at Mzuzu University, Dorica Chima, said the event provided a viable learning, information and knowledge sharing space.

“This event is more than just an exhibition, it is a bridge between theory and practice as our students have witnessed practical and real innovations that have motivated the students to become part of clean energy solutions,” said Chima.

REIAMA was established in 1999 to be promoting renewable energy technologies’ sustainability.