A scientific project led by the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), Portugal, in partnership with Lúrio University (UniLúrio), is working to improve indoor air quality in Mozambican homes and promote a more sustainable and efficient model of household energy, according to Lusa News Agency.
“Called AfroEnergy, the initiative aims to transform how energy is produced and consumed in northern Mozambique, reducing household pollution caused by burning firewood and charcoal — still widely used in rural areas — while fostering local scientific research,” FCTUC said in a statement sent to Lusa.
According to Adélio Gaspar, professor at FCTUC’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and coordinator of the project, the dependence on wood and charcoal “causes serious public health problems and worrying levels of indoor pollution. AfroEnergy is equipping UniLúrio with modern environmental monitoring instruments capable of measuring temperature, humidity, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, allowing the collection of scientific data on indoor air quality.”
The project has also installed refrigeration and solar energy laboratories at UniLúrio, now serving both teaching and research purposes, and promoted technical training sessions in Pemba and Coimbra for teachers and students. These initiatives aim to empower local teams to conduct field measurements in rural households and develop sustainable energy solutions tailored to Mozambican realities.
According to the researcher from the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI), the first results are already visible: monitoring in rural homes revealed high levels of indoor pollution, underscoring the urgency of promoting cleaner energy alternatives. Solar kits have also been installed in some homes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving thermal comfort. The project has also established a new scientific research line in Mozambique, combining solar energy, air quality, and energy efficiency.
“AfroEnergy demonstrates that science can be a tangible tool for human and social development,” emphasized Adélio Gaspar.
The initiative was born from a scientific cooperation agreement between the University of Coimbra and UniLúrio, aiming to strengthen Mozambican teams through training, equipment installation, and capacity building in renewable energy and indoor air quality.
The methodologies and infrastructures created in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, may eventually be replicated in other regions of Mozambique and across other African countries, consolidating the project as a model of applied science for sustainable development.
Source: Diário Económico
