Kelvin Tembo (MPhil Electronics & Electrical Engineering)

Kelvin graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a Master of Philosophy in Electronics & Electrical Engineering. The viability of “off-grid” community-based energy projects and how to find and support technically sound, financially feasible, and scalable solutions for sustained rural “off-grid” modern energy supply to assist Malawi’s development needs are Kelvin’s primary areas of interest.

Since 2008, Kelvin has actively participated in renewable energy initiatives that support more sustainable rural solar panel installations in Malawi by emphasizing income generation, local accountability, and community empowerment. As a Project Coordinator for Scottish-funded projects in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, he has been instrumental in achieving the project’s goals of deploying strategic community energy projects, concentrating on capacity building and gathering and analyzing technical, social, and economic data to demonstrate the project’s impact. Regarding the sustainability of “off-grid” renewable energy projects, Kelvin has learned a great deal about ownership, traditional leadership, cooperation, and coordination in rural community actions in Malawi.

Additionally, Kelvin engages with relevant departments of the Malawian government, higher education institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations in Malawi, and international partner organizations. He has developed a broad understanding of current strategies, stakeholders, and projects in the field of renewable energies, as well as in creating and exchanging concepts on rural electrification and alternative energies to fit into Malawi’s existing structures.