Driven by its overarching aim to increase students’ employability in the field of renewable energies by increasing collaborations between universities and the industry, the Eurydice project participated in an exhibition at the Solar Show Africa, from 23 – 24 August 2022 at the Sandton Convention Center. Representing the Eurydice were two delegates from the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), Mr S Ramajoe and Mr H Metsing. They setup a stall that played a role of providing information about the Eurydice project.

Representatives from about 93 organizations, in various industries based in countries like China, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Botswana, India, South Africa and Vietnam were among those who visited the Eurydice stall to enquire or share their inputs and opportunities that they can offer to students within their respective industries. The aim of increasing the Eurydice collaboration with industries is to enhance student’s exposure and employability within the field of renewable energy.

Umesh Loona, from the Genuine Partners in Botswana shed light on the International Solar Energy Agency (ISEA) and indicated that it exists to support countries, especially third world countries in eliminating existing disparities between states and national economies, by building independent infrastructure for the use of renewable energies. This includes various aspects such as training and research; the production of technical components; and the construction & operation of installations. Fitting perfectly into the aims the Eurydice strives achieve.

P Malatji from the Solar Africa Energy and K Deokali from MIS South Africa indicated that though there are several constraints for participating in the renewable energy space, limited access to information also plays a critical role in preventing a wider usage of renewable energy technology. This is mostly identified within the field of passive solar design. Therefore, it should be the role of all governments, in co-operation with existing international bodies to make such information accessible whilst also providing assistance around legal or administrative issues.