Towards a Transformative Leadership Approach to Solar-Powered Institutional Resilience From PPT to Community 

Background 

Persistent grid electricity disruptions at Zenzelima Campus hindered academic, research, and administrative operations. Ethiopia’s high solar potential (~5–6 kWh/m²/day) offers a sustainable solution. 

Objectives 

1. Deploy solar systems for critical infrastructure (data center, admin offices). 
2. Enhance reliability for digital workflows. 
3. Establish a model for institutional renewable energy adoption. 

Implementation 

• Funding: Institutional leadership secured domestic resources. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Participatory needs assessments ensured ownership. 
• Technical Execution: Hybrid approach (university technicians + external experts). 

Key Outcomes 

1. Risk Reduction: Protected servers from grid fluctuations. 
2. Reliable Power: Uninterrupted operations for data centers and offices. 
3. Cost Savings: Reduced diesel generator use. 
4. Capacity Building: Student training in solar tech. 
5. Sustainability: Cut emissions (aligned with  the country’s Climate Resilient Green Economy-CRGE strategy). 

Long-Term Impact 

• Proves solar viability for sun-rich regions. 
• Boosts institutional reputation and green funding opportunities. 
• Scalable model for other campuses/sectors. 

Future 

Recommendations 

1. Expand solar microgrids to dorms/research centers. 
2. Secure government/donor funding. 
3. Integrate solar training into curricula. 
4. Deploy hybrid systems for critical facilities. 
5. Document outcomes for policy guidance. 

Conclusion 

Bahir Dar University leverages Ethiopia’s solar potential to build energy resilience, serving as a blueprint for other institutions. Transformative leadership and blended financing can enable nationwide replication 

Project Initiator/Coordinator: Mintesinot Azene Taye (Ph.D) 

Director, Institute of Disaster Risk Management & Food Security Studies, Zenzelima Campus, Bahir Dar University; mintesinot.azene@bdu.edu.et; 0920519737