International Conference Participation of SOLTRAIN+ project team members in Spain and Cyprus

In September 2024, more than 10 SOLTRAIN+ project team members attended the International Conference on Solar Technologies & Hybrid Mini Grids to Improve Energy Access conference in Mallorca, Spain (https://energy-access-conferences.com/) and the EuroSun2024 conference in Limassol, Cyprus (https://www.eurosun2024.org/). They gave various presentations and posters during the conference to demonstrate how solar thermal heating and cooling can contribute to improving energy access. 

At the International Conference on Solar Technologies & Hybrid Mini Grids to Improve Energy Access conference in Mallorca, Spain, the SOLTRAIN+ Team began with participation in the side event, “An Interactive Workshop on Sustainable Cooling to Unlock Food Security,” hosted by Energy for Access (United Kingdom) at the 5th International Conference on Solar Technologies & Hybrid Mini Grids to Improve Energy Access, September 4 – 6, 2024, in Mallorca, Spain. The side event was relevant as it supported the heating and cooling efforts of the SOLTRAIN+ project. Werner Weiss, a veteran in the solar thermal world, co-chaired the conference. The first day concluded with poster pitches, co-chaired by Samson, where the SOLTRAIN+ project featured posters such as:

• “Techno-Economic Analysis of Wastewater Heat Recovery for a Domestic Laundry Washing Machine” by Kago Rabasoma et al., University of Botswana (Botswana);
• “Digital Transformation in Buildings” by Simphiwe Mokonza et al., SANEDI, South Africa;
• “Market Growth of Solar Thermal in Zimbabwe” by Gilbert Munhuwamambo et al., NUST, Zimbabwe;
• “Empowering Diversity: Insights from the SOLTRAIN Solar Thermal Course and Gender Mainstreaming Initiatives” by Bhekani Ntuli et al., SANEDI, South Africa.

The following presentations were made by the SOLTRAIN+ team in different parallel sessions:

• Helvi Ileka et al., of NEI-NUST, Namibia, on “The Impacts of the SOLTRAIN Project on the Namibian Solar Thermal Sector” in the parallel session on Policy, Regulations, and Enabling Factors.
• Joseph Shigwedha et al., of NEI-NUST, Namibia, on “Monitoring Results of a Pumped Solar Water Heating System at Katutura Hospital Maternity Ward, Namibia” in the parallel session on Design Aspects & Technology.
• Karen Gibson et al., SIAB, Botswana, on “Measuring the Multiplication of Women in the SOLTRAIN+ Project” in the parallel session on Capacity Building, co-chaired by Boaventura Cuamba, Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique).
• Rudi from AEE-INTEC, on “SOLTRAIN Solar Water Heating Systems (SWHS) in Bhutan: Sustainability, Capacity Building, and Monitoring Results.”

On Day 2, Werner Weiss chaired the round table discussion on “Solar Process Heat for Industry and Agriculture on the Move,” with Samson Mhlanga as the rapporteur. The following teaser questions were raised:

• Did solar heat reach a breakthrough in 2023 when it achieved its highest contribution to energy demand?
• Can we achieve SDG7—universal access to clean energy—without considering solar heat when we know 50% of energy demand comes from heating needs?
• Can solar drying contribute to the solar heat demand in agriculture as we work to reduce post-harvest losses?

The day concluded with the conference dinner and poster awards, where Helvi once again represented the project as one of the judges, highlighting the project's impact and influence internationally.

The final day began with a presentation on “FMEA and Quality Inspection of Solar Thermal Installations in the SOLTRAIN+ Project in Zimbabwe” by Samson Mhlanga et al., NUST, Zimbabwe, in the session on Operation Aspects.

In conclusion, the conference affirmed that SDG 7 cannot be attained without solar thermal, which contributes up to 50% of energy demand. It became evident that awareness, capacity building, and designing larger systems are necessary, while maintaining quality and reliability through maintenance contracts.

The conference provided the SOLTRAIN+ Team with an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration.

At the EuroSun2024 conference in Limassol, Cyprus, Prof Kevin N. Nwaigwe from the Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC) at the University of Botswana presented a paper titled ‘The Effect of Zinc Oxide-Water Nanofluids on the Thermal Efficiency of a Flat Plate Solar Collector – A Comparative Analysis of Central Composite and Box Behnken Designs’ during the ISES and IEA SHC International Conference on Sustainable and Solar Energy for Buildings and Industry (EUROSUN2024) held at Limassol, Cyprus, 26 – 30 August 2024. Additionally, he presented a poster titled ‘Development of a Mobile Solar-Powered Charging Station for Use in Public Parks within the University of Botswana’.