The Sustainable Energy module (SEM) - a mobile renewable energy generation centre for humanitarian use in developing countries

The usefulness of vaccines is dependent on keeping the drugs refrigerated. In many developing countries, there is no energy available in the more remote areas to power refrigeration equipment. In addition, electricity is required for sterilisation of medical and surgical equipment and for the provision of clean birthing facilities.

The SEM is a wind-solar hybrid unit which generates electricity in such remote areas, thus providing the electricity required for these critical health care facilities. The unit also contains on-board battery storage for the energy produced, as well as housing medical, surgical, sterilisation, birthing and refrigeration equipment - and all of this fits inside a standard shipping container for easy deployment.

Scotland has a long relationship with Malawi and, in keeping with this, the first SEM was gifted to the Malawian Government in a high profile ceremony on the occassion of the Malawian Presidents visit to Scotland. The unit will be operational in Malawi in early 2006, providing electricity to directly assist the provision of healthcare facailities in remote areas.