Energy for Development

Reliable and affordable sources of energy are fundamental not only for wellbeing, but also for economic growth and poverty reduction.

Fulfilling the energy needs of developing countries without compromising the environment is a challenge, requiring imaginative policies and methods. Many rural communities in Africa do not have access to the national electricity network or the associated benefits in health and quality of life provided by electrical services such as lighting and refrigeration. The installation of modular energy technologies that can be operated independently provides a solution for these areas. SERG’s work in this area covers a range of geographical areas and generation scenarios.

The nearest e4D mini-grid to Nairobi, is Kitonyoni. For directions to Kitonyoni click here.

Please see the Energy for Development website for more information about the project.

Grant details: FORTIS UNUM (Stronger As One): Clustering Mini-Grid Networks to Widen Energy Access and Enhance Utility Network Resilience

To date, it is estimated that around 1.2 billion people, representing 16% of the global population, have no access to electricity with many more having no reliable electricity supply. Most of these people live in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and south Asian countries. Overall access to electricity in SSA is estimated to be […]

News item: e4D update – SERG researchers return to Uganda and Kenya
21st December, 2017

SERG researchers Maj and Nicolas have just finished the last for 2017 SERG visit to Africa. The last two weeks they visited old Energy for Development (e4D) projects in Kenya and Uganda. As demand has grown in recent days, they discussed the opportunity for new projects and extension of the existing ones with REA (Rural […]

Grant details: Newton Fund Institutional Links Grant

Capacity in Research and Development Embedded in Case Studies Related to Energy in the Built Environment and for Rural Electrification Introduction This project between the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) of the University of Southampton, and the Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies (CREST) of the University of San Carlos covers two areas, […]

News item: University of Southampton projects on Africa rural electrification represented at 3rd International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference
5th October, 2016

The University of Southampton’s Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) showcased their work in Energy for Development (e4D) at 3rd International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 30th September and 1st October. The exhibition included displays, videos and information on the 6 mini-grid projects installed by SERG in Africa. […]

News item: University of Southampton’s Mini Grid Projects in Africa form a Central Part at 2nd African Mini Grid Summit
18th November, 2015

The 2nd African Mini Grid Summit was launched today in Nairobi Kenya, with the aim of sharing experiences in mini grids especially those related to low carbon renewable energy schemes in Africa. The Summit held over the period 18 – 20 November 2015, will be attended by representatives from various African governments, academia, the private sector […]

News item: Energy for Development holds ‘Development and Mini-Grids in Rural Africa’ conference in Nairobi, Kenya
29th May, 2015

‘Development and Mini-Grids in Rural Africa’ was the first Energy for Development’s (e4D) dissemination conference successfully held 11 – 12 May 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Research update: e4D – ‘Development and Mini-Grids in Rural Africa’ – Conference Report

‘Development and Mini-Grid in Rural Africa’ was the Energy for Development’s (e4D) first dissemination conference successfully held 11 – 12 May 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference was well attended with over 130 registrants including academics, project developers, governmental officials, private sector contractors, students, project financiers as well as other stakeholders operating in the field of […]

News item: Development & Minigrids Rural Africa Conference
2nd March, 2015

11th and 12th May 2015 As part of the Energy for Development programme, a two-day conference on “Development and Minigrids” – Rural Africa will be held in Nairobi on 11th and 12th May 2015.

News item: Prof Bahaj gives Lecture on Energy for Development at the Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah Saudi Arabia
14th August, 2013

On Wednesday 17th July 2013, Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, head of the Sustainable Energy Research Group, attended an joint event in Saudi Arabia on; Community of Practice on Poverty Reduction Community of Practice on Infrastructure ISDF Knowledge Initiative for Poverty Reduction Professor Bahaj gave a lecture at the event on ‘A New Approach to Energy for […]

Research update: Two New Villages set for Electrification

The villages of Bambouti in Cameroon and Oloika in Kenya’s rift valley are set for electrification through PV array’s by the E4D team and partners. Baseline data has been collected and the villages will undergo installation in the coming months. Oloika, Kenya On a recent trip to Kenya, the E4D team, along with members of […]