Togo
Promoting the photovoltaic sector
In Togo, we support a project headed by the Urbis Foundation to nurture the expansion of the photovoltaic sector. A solar educational centre is currently being built in Sokodé to enable electricians to complete training to become solar installers.
The Urbis Foundation has supported two vocational schools that educate electricians on solar installations since 2009. The project is planned to run for five years (2023 to 2027) aided by roughly €20,000 in funding from us each year.
Kenya
Solar Pledge East Africa
The aim of the Solar Pledge of East Africa program is to provide sustainable solar energy for educational and healthcare facilities in the dioceses of Gulu (Uganda) and Lodwar (Kenya) in the long term. Although some of the healthcare facilities have already installed solar energy systems, unfortunately only 2% of the existing systems are functioning properly. The others are in urgent need of repair, maintenance, or replacement of the modules. The Solar Pledge of East Africa program consists of individual projects and includes, for example, the establishment of an exchange platform for PV technology, the development of regional strategies for the expansion of renewable energies, the installation of new systems, and the repair and upgrading of existing systems. Further milestones include the establishment of maintenance structures and the hiring of renewable energy experts by the relevant dioceses.
The project was launched by HORIZONT3000, one of the largest organizations in Austrian non-governmental development cooperation. Windkraft Simonsfeld is participating by covering the material costs of the project
Completed projects
Global
Malawi (2023-2025)
Supply of clean drinking water
Supply of clean drinking water
Access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge in Malawi. UNICEF is therefore focusing on repairing boreholes and using solar-powered pumps with water storage tanks to ensure supply even in times of water scarcity. Windkraft Simonsfeld supported this project for three years, helping to provide water to around 6,000 people.
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Uganda (2024)
Electrical Engineering Department at Busesa Technical College
Electrical Engineering Department at Busesa Technical College
Busesa Technical College in Bugweri District (Uganda) will launch its Electrical Vocational Training program in February 2026. Windkraft Simonsfeld AG supported the equipping of the workshops with training equipment and tools; technical support is provided as part of the school partnership with HTL Braunau.
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Nicaragua (2020 – 2022)
Renewable energy technician apprenticeship
Renewable energy technician apprenticeship
Back in 2020, the IPLS (Instituto Politecnico La Salle) school in León, Nicaragua, launched a new course Técnico General en Energías Renovables (renewable energy technician). The two-year apprenticeship focuses on photovoltaic technology, solar thermal energy, wind power, small-scale hydropower and practical experience. In order to provide the necessary infrastructure, a workshop hall was converted and fitted out with the required training equipment.
Since the launch of the programme, two cohorts have successfully graduated. The apprenticeship Técnico General en Energías Renovables offers new opportunities for sustainable job development in Nicaragua’s energy sector in the long term and promotes a resource-friendly approach towards materials and energy.
Windkraft Simonsfeld has funded a portion of the material costs required to set up the programme with a total donation of €75,000.
>> Long version of the project report <<
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Uganda (2019)
Supplying power to a hospital in Minani
Supplying power to a hospital in Minani
Working in partnership with local technicians, students from HTL Braunau installed a photovoltaic system with battery storage at a Ugandan health centre. The Minani Rural Health Center provides medical assistance to roughly 20,000 people in the vicinity. Where previously examinations were conducted with hardly any light, often using just a torch, the installed photovoltaic system with battery storage now provides power around the clock. Windkraft Simonsfeld covered all of the material costs incurred.
>> Long version of the project report <<
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