The goal of this project is to explore the feasibility of using and deploying battery-electrolysers in Malawi to combat energy poverty.
- Research area: Hydrogen production
- Institution: Loughborough University
- Supervisor: Dr Jonathan Wilson
- PhD student: Soustain Chigalu
- Conducted in collaboration with INFLO Ltd
Project summary
In Malawi, only 26% of the population have access to electricity, and 98% rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. This project aims to design and deploy green hydrogen for cooking and supply clean electricity at a rural hospital in Malawi through an innovative hybrid energy system comprising solar microgrid, energy storage, and battery electrolyser.
A rural hospital in Malawi is the pilot site, with testing and validation involving six global partners, including the Consortium for Battery Innovation, Loughborough University, and INFLO LTD. This pilot aims to shape green hydrogen policy, raise awareness among rural communities, refine the system, and inform the business model to scale the technology for sub-Saharan Africa.
Meet the researcher
Hi, I’m Soustain. My career spans leadership, sales, and engineering in sustainable energy, telecommunications, and automotive sectors. I own a business that delivers innovative, sustainable power solutions for banking, hospitality, telecommunications, public service, and rural electrification in Africa. I hold an MSc in Management in the Network Economy and a BSc in Electrical Engineering.
In both my professional and research career, I am committed to contributing towards global sustainable development goals for affordable and clean energy, health, and climate action.
The EnerHy CDT programme enhances my skills as a global leader and researcher, offering me training and industry exposure with leading experts from the UK and across the world.
Soustain publishes EnerHy’s first research publication: “Designing and Integrating a Battery-Electrolyser Energy System for Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa” … and it’s a winner!
Read the news announcement to find out more.