Programs & Projects

The project is part of the University of Michigan-funded REFRESCH program, which has proposed the development of the REFRESCH Institute for Sustainability Education (RISE) in Lambaréné, Gabon. REFRESCH refers to Researching Fresh Solutions to the Energy/Water/Food Challenge in Resource Constrained Environments and is consortium of educators and researchers working to improve the lives of those living in resource-constrained communities. This proposal envisions an institute that will develop and implement innovative entrepreneurial educational methodologies centered around some of Gabon’s most significant development challenges, including access to affordable, renewable energy. RISE will provide students with a program of entrepreneurial education specifically tailored to launching and managing energy enterprises that increase energy access. WDI worked with REFRESCH to assess the market demand for PV solar energy in rural off-grid areas of Gabon to determine if there is sufficient demand to support a profit-seeking enterprise.