From 16 to 20 April 2018, the fourth AIR project meeting took place at Stellenbosch University (SU) in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

To start with, the team was welcomed by Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of Engineering at SU. The focus of the meeting was put on the finalisation of the module manual for the AIR Bachelor’s programme in Renewable Energy Technology Systems, the preparation of a joint scientific publication as well as the definition of the structure of the international Master’s programme.

Prof Sampson Mamphweli, Director of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at SU provided the team with an overview of ‘South Africa’s Electricity landscape with reference to Renewable Energy’. In order to get a practical insight into the energy situation in South Africa, the project team visited the Palmiet Power Station run by ESKOM, South Africa’s main electricity utility. Other excursions included the visit at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) in Cape Town and the site visit at the community project ‘Hydroponics fish farming in a container project using solar energy’ in Belhar, Cape Town.

To strengthen the link and foster the exchange of universities with industry, an exchange with the local AIR industry partner GeoSUN Africa was organised. Mr Riaan Meyer, Managing Director at GeoSUN, presented the company’s activities and services and joined the project team for a lively exchange over a working dinner.

The next project meeting will take place from 22 to 26 October 2018 at the University of Zambia (UNZA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The aim of this meeting will be to develop the curriculum for the AIR international Master’s programme and further define the framework of the planned multinational degree.