CONREMA: Projects Database & Malawi RE capacity database
Sustainable action requires that a problem and its underlying causes are widely acknowledged and understood, that
policies and strategies are inspired by multi-level stakeholders who input solutions from different perspectives, that
the targets of change are clearly defined, and that the instruments of reaching the common goal are agreed on.
Moreover, to accelerate the resolution of a problem, the change process must be facilitated by a close linkage and
open network of stakeholders, easily accessible channels of information and communication, transparent roadmaps,
and regular monitoring and brodcasting of intermediary results, achievement as well as hurdles, to improve strategies
and keep the motivation on a high level.
In order to help on the above, bridge the existing gap in coordination, and decrease the wastage of time and
resources on doubled efforts to find out where to start and re-invent the wheel because of lacking access to best
practices, RENAMA staff from 2010-2013 created a database of renewable energy projects and stakeholders in
Malawi.
The existing data from our 3+ years of research was handed over for free as a basis for the intractive web-based
database accessible to all members of the Cooperation Network for Renewable Energy in Malawi (CONREMA). It has
recently been migrated into the new professional IT structure with support from by DFID’s Business Innovation
Facility. It will soon be accessible on the newly designed CONREMA networking website on a peer-to-peer basis for
registered members - meaning whoever is willing to share his/her identity, RE activities and interest in the database
with the other members can gain access to this valuable data source. The common sharing poilcy and incentives for
active participation in the network shall help to make the database and network growing and attractive to even more
people and organizations with time, and ensure real mutual benefit.
Projects in the projects database can be edited by the prject’s lead organization or the CONREMA secretariat and will
constantly be updated to involve more details on project locations, approaches (incl. ownership and payment
sytems), technology and project costs, involved organizations, funders and contracted companies, operational
status as far as known, carbon trading and environamental impacts, target and real benefits, beneficiaries, etc.
The information is being solicited from all different stakeheolders and a proposal is in the making to build the
necessary infrastructure and capacity to verify more data through site visits and follow-ups on the ground, but
also to increase methods and structures for remote reporting of communities and involvement of local
governement and government extension workers.
