The Renewable Energy Awareness Campaign recently orchestrated by the Energy Research Centre (ERC) in collaboration with SOLTRAIN in the northern town of Maputsoe, Lesotho, surpassed expectations by drawing a diverse and inquisitive crowd from the community. The event served as a platform to exhibit various solar thermal and PV technologies, leaving attendees impressed and enthusiastic about embracing sustainable energy solutions.
Community Engagement and Solar Innovations
Live demonstrations, including the solar thermal boiling of eggs and baking of muffins, captivated the audience's attention. Observing these processes without traditional energy sources made a lasting impression on attendees. The solar thermal oven stole the spotlight, proving its practicality as the Maputsoe community lined up to savor the delicious muffins.
Noteworthy was the campaign's utilization of solar energy to power a large sound system throughout the day, dispelling any doubts about the reliability and capability of solar power. Attendees marveled at the seamless operation of such a substantial sound system solely on solar power, highlighting the untapped potential of clean and sustainable energy in Lesotho.
Community Engagement with Companies and Financial Support
Booths hosted by various companies collaborating with ERC experienced an influx of community members eager to explore renewable energy products. Attendees actively sought information on different renewable energy solutions, showcasing genuine interest in adopting sustainable practices. Nedbank Lesotho and the Department of Energy also played pivotal roles in the campaign, providing financial information and governmental support for renewable energy projects, respectively.
The community expressed gratitude for the campaign and encouraged ERC to organize similar events regularly to sustain the momentum of renewable energy enthusiasm.
Perspectives from Participants
Renewable energy organizations participating in the event expressed sincere appreciation for the exposure they gained, acknowledging their prior lack of awareness regarding Lesotho's untapped renewable energy market. This newfound understanding has sparked a commitment to extend their services to more communities, contributing to the broader transition towards clean energy.
Among the attendees, Mr. Bokang and Mrs. ‘Malebohang Lipholo participated out of curiosity and to seek advice on solar systems and prices tailored to their energy needs. Despite acknowledging potential financing challenges as barriers, both expressed a general interest in solar thermal/PV system installations.
The Renewable Energy Awareness Campaign in Maputsoe successfully achieved its goal of inspiring and educating the community about renewable energy technologies. The positive response from attendees, coupled with their eagerness to adopt sustainable practices, signifies a promising shift towards a greener and more energy-efficient future for Lesotho.
