EMPOWER: Vol 6, Issue 2 – July 2025

We lost a stalwart of ISV earlier this June—Prof. Alan Mickelson. He was a mentor and dear friend to many in our community. For more on his life of service, please see the In Memoriam article later in this issue.

“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”

Following those powerful words, we press on with our mission of Empowerment through Enterprise. You’ll recall we’ve grown significantly—from launching just three or four new enterprises annually to more than twelve per year. Yet our work is far from complete. Nearly a billion people around the world still lack access to the benefits of electricity. As a public charity, IEEE has a responsibility to expand its impact in these underserved communities.

ISV operates as a social seed fund to advance its mission, requiring substantial behind-the-scenes work to support each enterprise throughout its lifecycle—from pre-application guidance to monitoring post-deployment operations.

In this article, I will share insights into six task forces instituted for enhancing our processes and increasing our reach. These teams—comprised of committed volunteers, supported by IEEE staff and consultants where available—have been working diligently for several months.

We have organized three task forces to streamline our enterprise lifecycle:

1. Streamlining enterprise proposal intake
2. Standardizing enterprise “Project Service Agreements”
3. Improving enterprise reporting during execution and operations

To strengthen overall execution, we have organized three additional task forces to upgrade our internal and external communications and knowledge exchange:

1. Developing documentation and training resources
2. Updating our digital presence
3. Building a comprehensive knowledge repository

Task Force 1, headed by Engr. Sanjay Patki, with support from Dr. David Kankam and Dr. Olayinka Ayo of the ISV Project Development Committee (PDC), is restructuring the proposal intake process. Regional Committees will serve as frontline mentors and reviewers for applicants, while the PDC will ensure consistent cross-regional assessment. Applications will include key elements of the enterprise “Project Service Agreement” in the application. The process will continue to be managed through the Foundant™ platform.

Task Force 2, headed by Dr. Kankam with assistance from Er. Patki and Senior Project Manager Mike Wilson are refining our “Project Service Agreement”—this is IEEE’s formal contract with ISVs’ awardees. This complex document includes sections required by IEEE, ISV, and project-specific matters. Central to the agreement is a table outlining deliverables and corresponding tranche payments. The deal spans system deployment, training, and related services, and one year of operational oversight.

Task Force 3, led by Er. Abdullateef Aliyu is spearheading the adoption of Smartsheets™ for enterprise reporting during both execution and operational phases. Regional Committees will again play a key role. Awardees are expected to submit quarterly progress and tranche reports during execution. In the operational phase, quarterly reports are required for the first year. After that, annual reports will be needed for three more years to evaluate community impact.

Task Force 4, led by Prof. Toby Cumberbatch, is developing a comprehensive library of operational documents for volunteers, staff, applicants, and other stakeholders. The aim is to produce concise, jargon-free content that clearly explains every facet of ISV’s work. We’ll begin with straightforward “first contact” materials, augmented by more detailed documentation. These resources will serve as the foundation for onboarding and training, helping to foster a well-informed and empowered volunteer community.

Task Force 5, led by Monica LaBiche Brown, is revitalizing our digital presence, beginning with the development of a new website. This platform will be purposefully designed with our target audiences in mind, capturing both the passion and the diligence that drive our mission. It will showcase our goals, our active presence across five global regions, and our accomplishments over the years. In parallel, we will build a digital archive featuring tagged images and videos to serve as a lasting, accessible resource. The website will serve as our premier marketing tool throughout IEEE and to external audiences.

Task Force 6, led by Adam Sauer with support from Rahul Bhargava, is building the foundation for a comprehensive, Wikipedia-style open knowledge repository. This resource will go beyond our website, offering deeper content that is fully tagged and searchable. We’re currently recruiting a volunteer to oversee content organization and management, supported by subject matter experts who will curate material for chapters on topics such as solar technology, enterprise operations, and governance. The repository is envisioned as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, serving potential applicants, current awardees, and the remarkable changemakers driving our mission forward.

Over fifteen years ago, our founders, Ray Larsen and Robin Podmore, launched a visionary development model—one that was designed to be self-sustaining, scalable, and built to endure. Today, we carry that mission forward with renewed purpose, planning for growth that will extend our reach to even more underserved communities.

I remain deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers, staff, IEEE Societies and Councils, and the IEEE Foundation for making this work possible. Most of all, I thank the extraordinary organizations we’ve funded—those who achieve the unimagined, often under the most challenging circumstances.

Warm Regards,
Rajan Kapur,
President,
IEEE Smart Village.

With profound sorrow, I inform you of the recent passing of Prof. Alan Mickelson.

Alan Rolf Mickelson was born on May 2, 1950, in Connecticut. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas, El Paso in 1973, and a Doctorate in electrical engineering with a subject minor in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1978. He completed postdoctoral studies in the Soviet Union and Norway before moving to Boulder in the 1980s.

As an Associate Professor of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at CU Boulder, he conducted research in technologies for communication as well as applications of communication technology. He published two sole-authored books and over 190 peer-reviewed articles.

Over the past fifteen years, he has also carried out information and communication technology for development (ICTD) projects and green energy education in the developing world for purposes of health and education. It was in this role that many of us knew him as an IEEE Smart Village stalwart: he was a mentor to many and the Chair of the ISV Operations Committee. His work spanned Oceania, Asia, Africa, and South America.

For me, Alan was an esteemed colleague: academician, scientist, technologist, musician, and humanitarian. I had the privilege of knowing him through IEEE Smart Village. I will always be grateful for his drive to elevate others, including myself. He had been ailing for several years; even so, in the last week of his life, he completed two papers for an international conference on humanitarian development.

May he rest in peace.

Rajan Kapur

A Beekeeper’s Vision Sparks a Movement

In the remote hills of Tanzania, where national electricity grids fade and infrastructure is sparse, an unexpected transformation is taking place—powered by honey, technology, and community-driven innovation. At the center of this story is a humble beekeeper-turned-entrepreneur who has redefined what grassroots development can look like.

This is the story of the Rural Development Organization (RDO), a project powered by IEEE Smart Village (ISV) that has transformed lives in rural Tanzania by integrating ISV’s three pillars: growing local enterprises based on electrification, productive use of technology, and enhancing education to improve livelihoods in underserved communities. What started as a humble family beekeeping project has now blossomed into a vibrant social enterprise transforming lives and communities.

From Beekeeping to Community Development

“It started as a family project,” recalls Fidelis Filipatali, the founder of RDO. With only a few beekeeping boxes and a vision to empower his children and local youth, he began teaching them how to raise bees, harvest honey, and use the by-products for household and commercial use. What began as a subsistence effort quickly evolved. “We saw that honey could be more than just food,” he says. “It could be a tool for education and employment.”

Partnering with IEEE Smart Village

ISV provided the spark that RDO needed to scale its vision. With funding for beekeeping equipment, expert advisory and technical support, RDO acquired competence for modern sustainable beekeeping. The partnership also allowed RDO to expand its impact beyond beekeeping. The impact of the honey business has empowered them to now train students in masonry, hospitality, tailoring, agriculture, solar technology, and more. Every discipline is connected to a real-world application within the center, reinforcing a model of learn-by-doing.

Multipurpose Students, Circular Solutions

The RDO teaching model is deeply multipurpose and circular. Students are not only learning trades—they are immediately applying them to build the infrastructure of their development. Masonry students build training centers. Hospitality students operate small tea shops. Agricultural students grow and process food products. Beekeeping students extract honey and manufacture by-products like beeswax candles.

“When the power is cut off,” he says, “they use the candle which we are making from beeswax.” These candles are not only used in homes but also sold to local churches and schools. “It’s a very massive business,” he explains.

Another small triumph is the “honey tea” breakfast program, where hospitality students serve chapati, tea with ginger, and bread, all infused with honey. “Everything with honey,” he says, “even the tea is mixed with local spices and honey.” It’s a healthy, affordable, and community-driven solution to morning nutrition that also promotes the local economy.

Economic Impact: From Family Project to Vibrant Enterprise

Before ISV’s involvement, RDO was a family-run initiative with just a few boxes for beekeeping and a small circle of contributors. “We were maybe just ten people,” he reflects. But now? “So many. We are employing many people, and students are coming from everywhere.”

The growth has been measurable. RDO now employs more than forty people and has trained more than 500 students in the past year. In the same period, RDO sold approximately 1,200 liters of honey. Priced at 10,000 Tanzanian Shillings per liter, their annual honey revenue reached 12 million Tanzanian Shillings (about 4,600 USD at the time of writing).

This income is significant not only because of its size but because of its equitable distribution and reinvestment. RDO sells its honey at a charitable rate to ensure affordability for locals, and revenue is reinvested into expanding student programs, improving solar infrastructure, and building dormitories for learners traveling from remote villages.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Salary Slip Portal, the income generated from honey sales alone is equivalent to the annual salary of 10–25 full-time rural workers. When reinvested into the community—whether through wages, education, food, or solar lighting—this income becomes a direct driver of rural welfare.

Knowledge Sharing and Regional Partnerships

RDO’s success has not gone unnoticed. The founder recently traveled to northern Tanzania, where he connected with another development program run by a UK-based organization. “We are cooperating also with them,” he says. “What is good for us, we share with them. And we learn from them too.”

This approach—sharing local innovations and best practices—has created a feedback loop for improvement. Whether it’s energy access, sustainable agriculture, or vocational training, RDO sees partnerships not as competition but as part of a collaborative ecosystem.

From Theology to Technology: A Personal Journey

RDO’s founder didn’t come from a technical background. “I’m not a PhD,” he says humbly. “I’m a farmer.” After studying theology and philosophy with hopes of becoming a priest, he felt a deeper calling: to serve his community more directly. “My vocation was to assist the community,” he explains. “That is my philosophy—to work hard, serve the people, and leave a legacy.”

Despite having only an A-Level (high school) education, he has become a local hero, helping students and community members build livelihoods with dignity and purpose. ISV gave him the platform to expand. “Even coming here to South Africa [for the 2024 IEEE PowerAfrica Conference where this interview is being held]—it’s my first time outside the country. It’s the ISV that made it possible.”

Aligning Education and Industry

One of the founder’s most urgent insights is about the disconnect between traditional education and community needs. “Education and industry need to go together,” he says. “Otherwise, education becomes only paper.”

Many of his students—previously unskilled—are now mastering construction, hospitality, tailoring, and solar installation. And ironically, university graduates are now applying for jobs at RDO. “Some want to be accountants, others want to manage our computer center,” he laughs. “It makes me proud.”

A Tangible Legacy

RDO embodies the essence of ISV: not just smart tech, but holistic empowerment through enterprise. ISV’s support to local enterprises is guided by three pillars: sustainable electrification, productive use of technology, and education, to improve livelihoods in underserved communities.

The 2025 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China (ISVFC 2025) and 2025 IEEE International Symposium on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Electrical Engineering (AAIEE 2025) were partnered and successfully held in Beijing this April.

The 2025 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China was held at the International Conference Center of China Agricultural University in Beijing from April 26 to 27, 2025. The conference was co-organized by China Agricultural University, IEEE China Representative Office, and IEEE Smart Village China Committee. The conference focused on the development of smart villages in technologies, education, and projects. More than 280 experts, scholars, enterprise representatives, and young students from countries and regions in China, the United States, and Zambia, etc., participated onsite or online. The conference discussions focused on the special needs of the smart villages development in China and explored new models for sustainable rural development through technological innovation and international cooperation.

During the opening ceremony on the morning of April 26, Xueqian Fu, Vice Chair of the ISV China Committee and Associate Professor at China Agricultural University, served as a Moderator. Jessica J. Bian, a member of the US National Academy of Engineering and former President of IEEE PES; Xiaofeng Zhang, Chair of IEEE Smart Village -China Reginal Committee (ISV-CRC); Rajan Kapur, Chair of IEEE Smart Village Committee; Paulo Lopes, Head of IET China, Kang Chongqing; Professor and Director of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Tsinghua University and Chair of the IEEE PCCC; Xiao Qing, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation; and Ye Lin, Professor at China Agricultural University, delivered speeches.

Professor Chen Haoyong from South China University of Technology and Vice Chair of ISV-CRC conducted an in-depth analysis of the basic concepts and development pathways of forestry carbon sequestration. Taking Gansu as an example, he explored the development pathways of forestry carbon sequestration and its potential in carbon reduction.

Professor Liu Chongru from North China Electric Power University delivered a speech titled “Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the Stability Analysis of Modern Power Systems”. In his speech, he analyzed the current application status, potential, as well as challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in the stability analysis of power systems.

Professor Yu Nanpeng from the University of California, Riverside delivered an online speech. He proposed to explore the application progress of machine learning algorithms in power systems, shifting from pure data-driven approaches to physics-informed fusion algorithms.

Professor Zhang Pei from Tianjin University focused on the integration trend of electric vehicles and distribution networks. He emphasized the revolutionary role of intelligent interaction technologies in energy allocation.

The ISV-CGC organized two Roundtable Forums on the afternoon of April 26, 2025

At Roundtable Forum 1 “Smart Rural Distribution Network and Renewable Energy Utilization”, Li Teng, an associate professor at Beijing Jiaotong University, served as moderator. Five domestic and foreign experts jointly explored the path of green development in rural areas. Shang Lei from Wuhan University analyzed the coordinated technology of rural self-organizing networks and grid-forming energy storage. He pointed out that traditional rural power grids face challenges such as voltage fluctuations and islanded operation under high penetration rates of renewable energy. Zhou Lizhuan from Beijing Guoke Hengtong shared his experience in AI-powered power trading. Fu Yimu from Shandong introduced the intelligent microgrid practice of rural photovoltaic and energy storage demonstration projects; Sun Yaojie from Fudan University elaborated on the energy-saving and cost-reducing role of photovoltaic and energy storage systems; Likonge Makai Mulenga from Zambia shared a microgrid project combining photovoltaics, energy storage, diesel generators, and grid power.

Roundtable Forum 2 “Rural Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in China” was chaired by Professor Minyou Chen, Vice Chair of the ISV-CRC and a professor at Chongqing University. Four experts in the energy field shared their views.

The attending experts believed that the rural energy revolution is the key to achieving the “dual carbon” goals, and rural clean energy should be fully utilized. He Jijiang from Tsinghua University introduced the zero-carbon heating model of photovoltaics and heat pumps and a win-win business model for multiple parties. Hu Zhaoguang from State Grid Corporation of China pointed out that AI can optimize rural energy management, and its promotion requires the support of policies and infrastructure. Li Xia from Shenzhen Sincerity Promise participated online and shared the achievements of Chinese enterprises in promoting solar energy in East Africa. Professor Cheng Shan from China Three Gorges University introduced the crucial role of promoting rural electrification and smart grids in the Three Gorges Reservoir area through models such as photovoltaics and energy storage.

The ISV-CRC also organized four special forums on the morning of April 27th. Participants engaged in heated discussions on hot topics such as “Empowering Rural Entrepreneurship – ISV Project Development”, “Safety, Quality, Reliability and Standards (SQRS) – ISV Product Enhancement”, “Promoting Rural Enterprise Development and Measures – ISV Project Operation”, and “Scientific Education in Smart Villages – ISV Education and Student-Centered Approach”, providing valuable insights and innovative directions for the development of relevant fields.

Experts discussed how ISV projects can stimulate the rural economy. Professor Chen Haoyong from South China University of Technology analyzed the practice of forestry carbon sequestration. The photovoltaic poverty alleviation project in Inner Mongolia, the photovoltaic project in Xiaoxingchong Village, Yunnan, and the project in Luogai Village, Shandong, demonstrated the diverse models of photovoltaics and agriculture. Cases in Heilongjiang, Shanxi, and Gansu showed that ISV projects, through new energy industry chains, such as food processing in Hegang, photovoltaic heating in Changzhi, and off-grid power generation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, contribute to the dual carbon goals and enhance the production and living efficiency of farmers. International experts Bruno Lequesne and Dr. Chetwani emphasized that smart villages need to balance technological safety and community needs. Zhang Yao proposed a prefabricated building quality control system, while Zhou Fang introduced the “Energy, Education, Entrepreneurship 3E framework to promote green and intelligent rural development. Domestic and international experts explored digital education solutions. Toby Cumberbatch shared international experiences; Li Chunyan introduced the “Smart Village Lecture Hall” to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas; Fu Xueqian’s digital platform and Zhou Ying’s “Light of Electricity” plan promote science popularization in rural areas.

At the closing ceremony, Zhang Xiaofeng, Chair of the ISV-CRC, presented the “Outstanding Contribution Award” and the “Special Contribution Award” to the committee members in recognition of their efforts in promoting the development of smart villages in China.

Activities of the ISVFC International delegate

The ISV-CRC organized a small international delegation to participate in ISVFC 2025 and visited several partner organizations in Beijing, China.

On the afternoon of April 27th, Zhang Xiaofeng and a group of nine people visited Gui Hua, General Manager of China Energy Conservation Ecological Product Development Research Center and Vice Chair of ISV-CRC, with relevant experts. Participants focused on the technologies and practices for green and sustainable rural development, with an emphasis on rural green energy solutions, exchanged work progress, and believed that the two sides could strengthen communication and carry out further cooperation in rural energy development.

On the afternoon of April 28th, Xiaofeng Zhang, Chair of the ISV-CRC, with a group of five people, visited the Department of Electrical Engineering at Tsinghua University. Professor Sun Kai, Deputy Director of the department, introduced the Department of Electrical Engineering, including its organizational structure and talent cultivation. Zhang Xiaofeng introduced the background, current situation, and future vision of the IEEE Smart Village Project, expressing the hope of strengthening cooperation between the two sides in energy systems, education and training, and other aspects. Likonge, a member of the ISVFC International delegation and a representative from Zambia, introduced her smart village project and indicated her interest in learning from China’s experience in sustainable rural energy development. Sun Kai concluded that the two sides shared the same goals and could carry out in-depth cooperation in conferences, training, practice, and other aspects in the future. Zhang Xiaofeng suggested jointly holding conferences, connecting projects, and supporting joint student practice. This exchange laid a foundation for deepening cooperation.

A good output is that Tsinghua University will send students to visit Zambia in summer 2025, with the help of Likonge Makai Mulenga, to exchange ideas and explore the opportunities for the development of smart rural projects.

The 2025 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica Conference has been scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from September 28 to October 2, 2025. The conference aims to serve as a platform for participants from various sectors, including manufacturing, academia, telecommunication, technology companies, and electric utilities. It encourages the sharing of expert-led content, business-driven experiences, and strategic partnerships within the energy industry.

The IEEE PowerAfrica Conference also features a diverse technical program, including exhibitions, tutorials, workshops, keynote speeches, and presentations, all designed to foster action plans and reinforce partnerships post-conference. It targets a wide range of participants, from senior-level representatives and government officials to leaders of industries and international organizations, making it an essential gathering for anyone involved in bringing sustainable energy solutions to Africa.

Registration is now open—don’t miss out! Click here to visit the registration page>>>

See further details below:

The 2025 IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) General Meeting

The 2025 PES General Meeting is a power engineering conference that brings together practicing power engineers and academics from all over the world. The conference aims to provide an international forum for experts to promote, share, and discuss various issues and developments in the field of electrical power engineering. The meeting will be held on 27–31 July 2025 in Austin, Texas.

Click here for further details.

IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop – IEEE IAS ESW Guatemala

The 2025 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop (ESW) will take place in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on October 15-17, 2025, at the Westin Camino Real Hotel and Convention Center.

The workshop will feature the participation of international experts involved in the development of standards such as NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 1584, among others. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in informational sessions, tutorials, a commercial exhibition, and networking spaces.

See other events below:

• Nov 2025: India ISV workshop – Dates are not finalized yet
• Nov IEEE Board Series meeting – November 19- 23, 2025, New York Sheraton Times Square