Sopowerful - A2E Fund
The Sopowerful Foundation was awarded by the A2E Fund in two editions.
In the 5th edition (2022), it was awarded for a project at Mlambe Hospital in Malawi, which strengthened the safety and stability of the electrical system through solar energy. In the 7th edition (2025), it was awarded once again, this time to provide reliable electricity to the Trinity Hospital and Nursing School in Chikwawa, improving healthcare and learning conditions.
7th Edition:
Project: Solar at Trinity Hospital and Nursing School
Country & region/location: Muona - Chikwawa District
Category: Energy & Health
At the Trinity Hospital and its School of Nursing in Chikwawa, a new solar power system with battery storage will ensure reliable, clean energy for essential services, classrooms and water supply. The system will replace costly diesel generators and reinforce electrical infrastructure and roofing, allowing staff and students to work and learn without interruption.
The project goes beyond energy — it builds resilience and opportunity. Local teams will be trained to manage, monitor and maintain the systems, creating long-term sustainability. With lower running costs, reduced emissions and improved access to water and healthcare, the initiative will bring lasting benefits to patients, students and the wider community in one of Malawi’s most energy-challenged districts.
Expected results:
- Fully installed solar system, including roof refurbishment and upgraded electrical infrastructure
- Clean energy supply for the entire hospital and school (excluding doctor houses and carpenter workshop), as well as the continuous availability of water
- 6-10 staff members trained in solar system O&M, and 2 staff members instructed for Energy Management
- Community sensitization sessions to raise awareness
- Improved healthcare at the hospital
- Enhanced learning environment at the Nursing School
- Reduced diesel dependence, cutting and expected 10 tons of CO₂ emissions annually
- Staff empowered with skills for safe and efficient system use
- Estimated financial savings of approximately USD 14.200/year for the first 10 years, rising to USD 32.000/year thereafter
Impact (results)
5th Edition:
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
Impact (results)
A2E Fund - Program
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