The University of Fort Hare hosted the FAIR Project Training Workshop and Transnational Project Meeting in East London, South Africa. This event brought together scientific, technical, and administrative staff from four South African universities to address critical challenges of energy poverty and renewable energy. Discussions focused on exploring innovative, sustainable solutions to transform South Africa’s energy landscape.
Representatives from the University of Fort Hare, University of Venda, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of West Africa, and Université de Corse Pascal Paoli in France participated in this three-day event. Sessions facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaboration, focusing on addressing energy poverty while developing technologies to boost energy efficiency and reduce reliance on unsustainable energy sources.
A key highlight was the visit to the University of Fort Hare’s Solar Park and the Upper Blinkwater Mini-Grid Project in Raymond Mhlaba municipality. These initiatives exemplify how renewable energy can improve access to sustainable energy in underserved communities. Participants witnessed the tangible impact of these projects, which are transforming lives in areas long challenged by limited energy access.
