The University of Zambia has plans to establish solar applied energy laboratories to meet the growing demand for electricity in the southern African nation
According to Prem Jain, head of energy, environment and research at the university, the institution will spend US$750,000 to set up the laboratories.
In addition to handling the demand for clean energy, the labs would also help offload graduates that are qualified to work in the field of solar technology.
The university’s department of physics has also partnered with the Engineering Institute of Zambia to allow engineering students the opportunity to handle environmentally-friendly energy sources as well, revealed Jain.
Solar energy-driven technology in Zambia include solar grid fed-in, off grid, mini grid, solar microsystems and solar heating. Like several countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Zambia faces several electricity deficits, with rural areas being the most affected. Through the laboratories, Zambia’s rural areas would gain better access to electricity.
