SWK E² Institute Director Professor Dr. Jörg Meyer welcomed the visiting students to the institute's laboratories. The five Ivorian men and women had previously passed an assessment center in their home country and qualified as the best to develop the first project prototype according to German safety and hygiene standards. The aim of the project is to develop a system to ensure a decentralized, solar-powered supply of electricity and water in rural areas. The guiding principle is: helping people to help themselves. With the know-how and practical skills imparted, more and more residents will be empowered to develop their own solutions for their population.

Both prototypes are to be developed as part of a two-and-a-half-year dual studies program. Development, production and commissioning will take place in Germany together with cooperating companies. Finally, the system will be handed over to the Ivorian partner university. Before the project assignment begins, the students have to get used to their new host country and university: organizational matters, language courses and safety briefings are part of the timetable.

The project is financially supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to the tune of around 719,000 euros for four years.