1245 | 745 | What we call energy transition, they call survival. Solar energy for rural communities in Malawi, a case study. | Alberto Corbino
While 450 million Europeans are becoming familiar with the Green Deal’s new roadmap-mantra of the energy transition, and their governments are arguing about the alleged immigration emergency, over 770 million inhabitants of the planet do not have access to electricity (WEF) and 2 billion people live without safely managed drinking water services, including 1.2 billion people lacking even a basic level of service (UNICEF, WHO). “Water for energy; energy for water — as independent sectors and through their inextricable linkages – water and energy are key drivers of economic growth and social development. Benefits include poverty reduction, improvements in health and education, and a reduction in inequalities” (UN University, 2015). The two issues are closely related: economic development without electricity and water means survival._x000D_
This is the premise to a case study in the rural areas of Malawi: solar panels to produce electricity, that is also necessary to draw and distribute water efficiently. It is based on a field experience of the author, observing for years the work of a Dutch NGO which installs photovoltaic solar panels on small hospitals, clinics, schools, agri-cooperatives. Therefore, starting from the analysis of the territorial context, including the education policies, the presentation describes the different steps of the model: the request for the intervention, the involvement of the community, the realization of the plant, the measurement of results. Assuming the application of this model on a national scale, based on robust data provided by the Malawi National Statistics Office, this work will outline a possible scenario for a reborn Malawi, where electricity supply and the consequent regular distribution of water will be considered acquired rights, at least in the education and health contexts._x000D_
Alberto Corbino
Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
ID Abstract: 745