Engineering experts from University of Glamorgan Faculty of Advanced Technology are working to bring light to a community in the depths of rural Zambia as part of a project being led by the United Nations.
Working with an isolated community where electricity is not an option, Professor Demetri Djialli and his team have designed a lantern, powered by solar technology, which can be used by local people.
Professor Djialli explained, “The main source of food in this community is fish from the local lake, and the most effective way of catching these fish is to go out onto the lake at night time with a light source. We have designed a fishing lantern which can be charged via solar power during the daytime and then used by the fishermen at night. It will also be possible for the lantern to be used in the homes of the fishermen which will make a massive difference to the lives of so many families.”
Professor Djialli and Dr Linus Mofor from the Centre for Engineering, Research and Environmental Applications (CEREA) at Glamorgan visited the village earlier this year to speak to the fishermen and their families and to gather their thoughts on the project.
“The response we had from the local people was overwhelming,” explained Professor Djialli. “They really took us into the heart of their community and were delighted with our ideas for the new solar powered lanterns. Meeting the individuals who will directly benefit from the project made it come alive for the team.”
The University is working with Cwmbran-based lighting company iVision to develop the lanterns which will be manufactured in Wales.
The project will also see academics at Glamorgan working with their colleagues at the University of Zambia who will be responsible for the maintenance of the energy systems. They will also be establishing a postgraduate course in renewable energy at the Zambian University.
The work in Zambia builds on Glamorgan’s commitment to regeneration in African communities. Experts from the University were invited to take part in the UN/World Bank All Africa Carbon Forum in Nairobi earlier this year.
Delegates from UNIDO will visit to the University of Glamorgan this week.
