The Sustainable Energy for Rural Communities (SE4RC) is also known as the Mashaba Solar Mini-grid project.

The project seeks to provide an excess of 160KW solar energy to power 3 irrigation schemes, 5 business centres, a clinic, a school and a study centre. The project demonstrates a business and financial model of providing decentralised renewable energy through a partnership of public and private sectors and donors. It is jointly funded by the European Union (EU-ACP), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and is being implemented by SNV, Practical Action, and Dabane Trust with the support of Government Ministries and Departments.

The major aim of the project is to promote universal access to modern energy services for 1O,OOO rural men and women in 2,8OO households in Gwanda South, contributing to better economic and social well-being.

Achievements:

• A 99KW decentralised mini-grid, 2 energy centres and 2 stand-alone power units that will sell power to 3 irrigation schemes, 5 business centres, a clinic, a school and a study centre.

• An energy centre that supports economic activities such as cold rooms, agro processing, welding and similar activities that require substantial energy.

• A resource/study centre which will house facilities that include ICT provision, e-learning, internet, TV, after hours study and community information.

• Energy kiosks for household energy requirements such as lighting, communication/mobile phone charging, entertainment (televisions and radios), battery charging among other low energy uses.