Sopowerful - A2E Fund

Project: Powering Healthcare at Mlambe Hospital

Country & region/location: Malawi, Lunzu - Blantyre District

Category: Energy & Health

The unreliability of the electrical power grid brings severe challenges to most health facilities in Malawi. The Mlambe Hospital in Southern Malawi struggles with the unreliability of the electrical grid, enduring power outages that range from several hours to multiple days. These interruptions severely restrain power and water supply, forcing the facility to scale back health services or rely on costly diesel generators. The financial burden of diesel expenses and the risk of generator malfunctions further strain the hospital's ability to provide adequate patient care and safeguard essential medical equipment.

With 265 beds and a staff of 300, the hospital's energy challenges affect over 47,000 individuals annually. The costs associated with electricity and diesel consumption limit budget allocations for crucial medicines and medical equipment, exacerbating the strain on healthcare services.

Sopowerful's project aims to revolutionize Mlambe Hospital's energy infrastructure by implementing a solar PV and battery storage system for sustained impact. The solar setup will become the primary energy source, with the Escom grid serving as a backup. Additionally, the current diesel generator will remain connected as a secondary backup. This initiative not only aims to stabilize electricity and water supply but also substantial cost savings by significantly reducing diesel consumption.

An integral aspect of the project involves local capacity building. The hospital staff will undergo training to optimize energy efficiency, operate the solar system, and conduct basic troubleshooting and maintenance, such as cleaning the solar panels. This initiative ensures the hospital's self-sufficiency in managing and maintaining the new energy infrastructure, promoting sustainability and long-term effectiveness.
 

Expected results:

• The Hospital will be able to extend hours of operation into the evening and/or night and to extend the range of functions and healthcare services thanks to reliable electricity
• Increase in the number of patients assisted annually by the facility
• Decrease in the number of patients referred to other facilities due to unreliable power supply
• Water supply (and thus hygiene) at the hospital will not be any longer at risk
• The entire hospital, except for the laundry facility, will be powered by solar energy