UC project supports Mozambican families with clean energy equipment
The “AfroEnergy” project is working to transform energy production and consumption in northern Mozambique, promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, and local scientific research.
The AfroEnergy – Sustainable Energy for Health Promotion in African Households project, led by the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) in partnership with Lúrio University (UniLúrio), is helping Mozambican communities improve indoor air quality. The initiative aims to change how energy is produced and used in northern Mozambique, fostering sustainability, energy efficiency, and local scientific research.
The project, which also involves UniLúrio’s Faculty of Engineering in Pemba, originated from a scientific cooperation agreement with UC. Its goal is to empower Mozambican teams through training, equipment installation, and the development of skills in indoor air quality, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
According to Adélio Gaspar, a professor at the FCTUC’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, many households in Mozambique still rely on wood and charcoal for domestic energy, causing indoor pollution and serious public health problems.
"AfroEnergy seeks to change that. To this end, we equipped UniLúrio with environmental monitoring tools — capable of measuring temperature, humidity, particles, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide — and set up solar energy and refrigeration laboratories, for both teaching and research purposes," explains the project coordinator.
In addition, professors and students underwent training in Pemba and Coimbra, equipping them with the skills needed to conduct applied research and find sustainable solutions adapted to the local conditions in Mozambique.
© DR
"The first results are already showing. Monitoring the indoor environmental quality of rural homes revealed high levels of pollution, confirming the urgent need for cleaner energy alternatives. To this end, we have installed solar kits to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve indoor thermal comfort. In addition, the project has led to a new line of research in Mozambique, combining solar energy, air quality, and energy efficiency," adds Gaspar, who is also a researcher at the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI).
“AfroEnergy shows that science can be a practical tool for human and social development. By empowering local researchers, we are creating sustainable solutions for Mozambique and Africa," he concludes. More than a technical project, AfroEnergy is an example of Lusophone cooperation with real impact. The methodologies and infrastructure developed in Pemba can be replicated in other regions of Mozambique and across Africa, promoting a model of sustainable and inclusive research.