SOLTRAIN Expands - First Renewable Heating and Cooling Training Rig Delivered to Estwatini

SOLTRAIN+  successfully conducted a Solar Thermal Demonstration Training at Gwamile Vocational and Commercial Training Institute in Eswatini from 29 June to 06 July 2026, marking another important milestone in advancing renewable heating and cooling capacity building in the SADC region.

The training focused on equipping vocational instructors, plumbers, electricians, and technicians with practical skills on the installation, operation, assembly, and disassembly of solar thermal systems. Through hands-on sessions, participants gained valuable experience in system components, maintenance, and safe handling of solar thermal technologies.

The training was complemented by the successful handover of the SOLTRAIN+ Solar Thermal Demonstration Training Rig to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. The handover took place during the official launch of the 2027 SADC Sustainable Energy Week (SADC SEW) in Ezulwini, with Gwamile VOCTIM designated as the host institution and custodian of the equipment.

The demonstration rig provides a modern practical learning platform for students, instructors, technicians, and industry professionals to gain experience in renewable heating technologies. It will support the development of skilled renewable energy professionals and strengthen the integration of renewable energy training within Eswatini’s TVET sector.

During the handover ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, expressed his vision to see similar training facilities established across other regions of Eswatini. He further highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building and accreditation of trainees to ensure that skills developed can contribute to renewable energy advancement across the SADC region.

The achievement reflects the strong collaboration between the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), AEE -Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC), SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, and Gwamile VOCTIM in promoting renewable energy skills development and accelerating the clean energy transition.

SOLTRAIN+ continues to invest in people, skills, and innovation to advance renewable heating and cooling technologies across Southern Africa.