We’re excited to recognize Aran Eales, PhD, Research Associate with the University of Strathclyde, as this month’s Champion!
Each month, the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) spotlights an individual contributing to the initiative, whether through work at the national, regional, or global level.
Aran specializes in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and has extensive experience leading decentralized renewable energy projects in developing countries, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Through Self Help Africa in support of AMP Malawi and other initiatives, he supports the design and testing of innovative business models that encourage private sector participation in minigrid development. His work includes piloting Productive Uses of Energy (PUE) on existing minigrids to improve commercial viability, reduce costs, and expand access to sustainable electricity. By combining technical expertise with community-driven approaches, Aran is helping build the investment case needed to scale up Malawi’s emerging minigrid sector.
Watch this short film to see how the Mthembanji microgrid is bringing electricity to homes and businesses in Malawi, and how the community is driving its success.
Q: What’s your story—how did you end up working in the clean energy industry?
A: I’ve always been drawn to work where you can actually see the difference it makes on the ground. As a student, I joined Engineers Without Borders, and after university found myself building small wind turbines in places like India, Pakistan, and Ethiopia. Those experiences showed me how reliable energy could transform a community. When I later moved to Scotland, I joined the University of Strathclyde and began working with Solar PV for off-grid communities in Malawi. I helped set up the country’s first smart-metered minigrids, which not only powered rural communities but also shaped the focus of my PhD. That journey cemented my passion for clean energy as a driver of impact and opportunity.
Q: Briefly describe your role and involvement with AMP so far.
A: I lead a work package in Malawi that pilots productive use of energy (PUE) applications on two minigrids. We introduced Malawi’s first appliance financing scheme for minigrid customers and are now testing a keymaker model for rice and maize milling. My role combines coordinating the in-country team at Self Help Africa Malawi with analysing technical and economic data to shape viable business models. The aim is to demonstrate how minigrids can sustainably power businesses and create livelihoods while building an investment case and pathway for scaling Malawi’s emerging minigrid sector.
Q: What excites you most about the potential of AMP, specifically in your country?
A: I think the opportunity AMP has created for knowledge and data sharing across so many countries is very exciting. For Malawi, where the minigrid sector is still at an early stage, being part of a global programme helps us adapt proven solutions to local realities and avoid reinventing the wheel. I particularly value AMP’s focus on productive use of energy, because demonstrating how minigrids can power businesses and livelihoods is critical for their long-term sustainability and for securing investment. By combining PUE pilots with policy support and digital innovation, AMP takes a multifaceted approach that can unlock real growth for minigrids in Malawi.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about minigrids and access to electricity?
A: Minigrids are pivotal for achieving SDG7 because they can deliver low-carbon, reliable electricity to remote communities unlikely to receive a grid connection in the near future. But in many countries, they are still at the beginning of their journey. To scale up, we need to show that minigrid business models are truly viable and bankable. Innovations around productive use of energy, together with strong data collection and analysis frameworks, are essential for building investor confidence and unlocking the growth the sector needs.
To learn more about PUE and the work Aran and the AMP team have been doing, check out this article: Productive Uses of Energy Are Critical to Develop Rural Economies. You can also explore AMP Malawi’s recent achievements in How AMP Malawi is Driving Inclusive, Private Sector–Led Business Growth.