The University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology hosted a mini-grid training workshop, with 49 lecturers from 17 universities across Africa, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, all united to deepen their knowledge and teaching skills in mini-grid technology.

The workshop, from September 4 to 11, was a collaborative effort involving the University of Rwanda (UR), the Africa Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACE-ESD), and the Transforming Energy Access Learning Partnership (TEA-LP) from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. The Transforming Energy Access – Learning Partnership (TEA-LP) is a partnership of African, South Asian, and Indo-Pacific universities and other stakeholders, committed to ensuring a highly qualified workforce to drive the transition to sustainable energy access for all.

Through an intensive programme blending theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience, participants were introduced to advanced mini-grid software tools like Xendee, HomerPro, and COMET.

This approach ensures that lecturers are not only familiarised with the latest technological advancements but are also equipped to integrate these insights effectively into their curricula.

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Acting Director of the African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development, and a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, Dr Emmanuel Ufiteyezu, explained that this workshop is designed to impart essential knowledge and skills to lectures, including the use of advanced software for min-grid design and implementation.

Ufiteyezu highlighted that participants became proficient in modern software tools for Mini-Grid System Design (system sizing, modularity, generation, energy storage, distribution, smart metering) using an appropriate Software package, and tariffing mini-grids, thus equipping them to effectively contribute to energy solutions in their communities.

"As these professors return to their home institutions, they will carry with them new perspectives and skills, ready to inspire and educate the next generation of energy professionals, and that will enhance energy education, standing as a statement to the power of global cooperation in tackling the world’s energy challenges,” he said.

Dr Ufiteyezu emphasised the critical role of mini-grids in bridging the gap between national electricity coverage and underserved areas. He explained that while Rwanda’s national grid connects various provinces and districts, some regions still lack access to reliable power.

Mini-grids, whether solar, hydropower, or geothermal, wind turbines are essential for providing electricity to these remote communities.

According to Lesley Ashburner, who leads the capacity-building efforts for Transforming Energy Access, the lecturers gained expert knowledge in mini-grids and became proficient with key software tools.

"As we conclude the workshop, lecturers became not only experts in mini-grid technology but also are familiar with essential design software. A key outcome is that they created and presented their own mini-grid designs, demonstrating their expertise and practical skills,” she noted.

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One of the participants of the workshop, Ramendra Prasad, a senior lecturer at the University of Fiji, found the workshop highly beneficial for learning and networking.

"This training has been very helpful; we are going to use some of the skills learned here to teach our students how to design mini-grids and off-grid systems, which is crucial for Fiji as an island nation where such systems are vital,” he said.

He also added: "We aim to develop new projects and proposals to secure more funding and increase energy access. Beyond providing light, we want to focus on productive use of energy and income generation opportunities for our communities.”

Associate professor, Uche Ogbiefi, from the University of Nigeria, was also one of the participants and tackled the practical application of the workshop insights, underscoring how the training equipped them with tools to create an effective hybrid system that can support their communities.

"In our programme, students will tackle real-world scenarios of unreliable grid power. They’ll design solutions to supplement the grid with solar PV systems, ensuring continuous power supply. We’ll guide them to assess power needs and appliance usage, then integrate solar with the grid to provide reliable energy even when the grid fails,” she said.

Head of the mechanical department at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology, Dr Bernard Munyazikwiye, said the training provided valuable networking opportunities for faculty and students.

"Deploying smart grids in rural areas will not only improve electricity access, but also help community members estimate their energy costs. For students, it offers valuable hands-on experience in designing and analysing PV systems, enhancing their practical skills beyond simulations,” he added.