Recent training activity in Namibia and Zimbabwe

Energy security and access remain significant challenges within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The SOLTRAIN+ project aims to showcase clean energy generation, energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increased job creation. The achievement of these benefits necessitates well-trained experts. In accordance with this, various training programmes took place recently in Namibia and Zimbabwe under the Southern African Renewable Heating and Cooling Training and Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN+) project.

Namibia

The Namibia Energy Institute (NEI) within the Ministry of Mines and Energy at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) conducted two trainings in November 2023. The first was a secondary training on Solar Heating and Industrial Processes (SHIP) held from November 20th to 21st, 2023.

This training was attended by industry experts, professionals, renewable heating and cooling (RHC) technology providers, consultants, project developers, and academia. Over 30 participants, including 11 women, attended.

The objective of the SHIP training was to enable participants to conduct energy assessments in their companies, focusing on heating and cooling demand and supply systems, and to develop concepts for RHC implementation. The training covered topics such as SHIP integration options, basic hydraulic concepts of SHIP design, boundary conditions, design of main components, calculation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and an introduction to Renewable Heating Cooling concepts. Participants were also introduced to the SHIP Design and Analysis Tool for plant design and analysis.

SOLTRAIN+ Coordinator Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl from the Austrian Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE-INTEC) and AEE-INTEC's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christoph Brunner conducted this two-day training, concluding by informing participants about available project co-funding for demonstration systems.

The second training focused on thermosyphon solar water heaters for artisans and installers, held at NUST from November 27th to 28th, 2023. Over 50 artisans and installers, including 17 women, predominantly from the private sector, attended this training.

Conducted by Rudolf Moschik from AEE-INTEC along with NEI staff, the training covered theory and practical aspects of designing, installing, quality control, commissioning, maintenance, and monitoring of thermosiphon systems. Participants gained insights into system installation principles, examined various thermosyphon solar water heater types, and expressed a keen interest in further training to enhance their knowledge and disseminate it among their peers. Participants received certificates of participation and were informed about project co-funding for demonstration systems.

Zimbabwe

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, facilitated two SOLTRAIN+ trainings. The 'Introduction to Renewable Heating and Cooling' online training occurred on October 16th, 2023, jointly with counterparts from Lesotho, attracting 40 participants, including 10 women, from various ministries, regulatory bodies, universities, industry, consultants, and other sectors.

This session focused on Renewable Heating and Cooling Concepts, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump technologies, and Hybrid Systems, providing a comprehensive overview for diverse participants.

The two-day physical SHIP training on November 27th and 28th, 2023, at NUST, engaged 24 industry experts, professionals, and RHC stakeholders from Zimbabwe. The training included practical sessions, group exercises on energy assessment, presentations on system optimization, heat recovery, chillers, heat pumps, and practical applications in Zimbabwean industries. Wolfgang Gruber-Glatzl also emphasized the availability of project co-funding for demonstration systems.