EMPOWER: Vol 7, Issue 2 – July 2026

Dear IEEE Smart Village Community Members,

I am delighted to share a major milestone for IEEE Smart Village, one that powerfully validates our enterprise-driven development model for uplifting underserved communities.

In the largest transaction in our history, two of our earliest entrepreneurs have jointly been awarded contracts to develop 109 solar mini-grids in Nigeria. This initiative will bring reliable electricity to more than 230,000 homes and businesses. The total investment is USD 119 million, with USD 37 million already committed by the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) and the Norwegian Investment Fund.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is the journey behind it. More than a decade ago, Ifeanyi Orajaka, then an undergraduate student, recognized solar mini-grids as a practical solution to Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges. Around the same time, Henry Ureh, working closely with his brother, came to a similar conclusion. Though they began independently, both founders shared a vision: to build scalable, community-centered energy enterprises. IEEE Smart Village supported Ifeanyi’s company in 2012 and Henry’s in 2016: early-stage investments rooted in belief in their leadership and ideas.

Over the years, both entrepreneurs have grown their ventures from modest beginnings into impactful enterprises. Together, they now operate more than 12 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems. With this latest award, they will almost double the number of people served by ISV entrepreneurs, reaching over 4 million individuals.

Their success story embodies the core of IEEE Smart Village’s mission.

At ISV, we focus on creating lasting impact through community-centered enterprises, education, and technology. We provide seed funding and operate as a remote business incubator, helping local entrepreneurs validate, refine, and scale their business models. Our goal is not just initial success, but the development of self-sustaining enterprises that can attract further investment and ultimately serve millions who lack access to reliable energy and opportunity.

A defining strength of our approach is its depth of engagement. Through our “high-touch” model, regional committees work closely with entrepreneurs from the earliest proposal stages through implementation and growth. We remain long-term partners, supporting initial contract development, implementation, and operations. Entrepreneurship can be a solitary journey, but we strive to ensure our entrepreneurs are never alone.

This milestone reflects that commitment. Fourteen years after our earliest engagement, we are still working alongside our earliest entrepreneurs, now helping them pursue large-scale financing for transformative infrastructure.

Looking ahead, our vision is to extend this impact to many more of the nearly 800 million people worldwide who remain underserved. While the challenge is significant, so too is our resolve to deliver impact that reflects IEEE’s global reputation and values. We are proud of all who contribute to this mission, and we know there is still much more to be done.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the entrepreneurs, volunteers, donors, and staff who make this work possible, and in helping extend this impact even further.

Warm regards

Rajan Kapur, President, IEEE Smart Village

AI and Clean Energy Take Center Stage at China’s Smart Village Forum

Edited by Lurui Fang

Beijing gathering showcases how technology is powering rural communities from the ground up.

The 2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China has spotlighted artificial intelligence and green energy as the twin engines driving the next wave of rural development. The four-day international forum, which was held at the Jingyi Hotel in Beijing from 10th to 13th of April, brought together more than 280 researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the globe to share ideas and real-world projects that are already changing lives in off-grid and underserved areas.

2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China.

Jointly organized by the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the IEEE Industry Applications Society, and a dozen Chinese universities, the hybrid event combined high-level keynotes with hands-on panel sessions. The message from the opening morning was unequivocal: artificial intelligence is no longer a laboratory curiosity; it is actively reshaping how electricity is generated, distributed, and used in the countryside.

Li Yaohua, Director of the Institute of Electrical Engineering.

The Director of the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Li Yaohua, while setting the tone, said, “AI has moved from a future vision to a present reality in electrical engineering,” pointing to advances in intelligent forecasting, self-healing grids, and renewable energy management. “Our goal now is to push these applications onto a global strategic level, so that advanced energy technologies truly reach communities and improve people’s livelihoods,” he added.

Rajan Kapur, President of IEEE Smart Village president.

The theme was further echoed by the President of IEEE Smart Village, Rajan Kapur, who described how a network of locally owned solar-powered enterprises is already serving more than two million people across South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. “Our vision is energy independence through the sun,” Kapur told the audience. “With local leadership and long-term training, a village can run its own clean energy business for twenty to thirty years,” he added.

Big ideas and big data

The keynote stage featured some of the world’s leading minds in energy systems.

John McDonald, Member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Member of the National Academy of Engineering, John McDonald walked the audience through the digital transformation of power grids, stressing that the fusion of information technology and operational hardware is the key to building networks that can self-heal after storms and absorb ever more solar and wind power.

Xiaoxin Zhou, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiaoxin Zhou, mapped out China’s path toward carbon neutrality, detailing a “electricity-hydrogen-carbon” coupling system that would use green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries while keeping the lights on.

Jessica Bian, Member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Member of the National Academy of Engineering, Jessica Bian issued a stark reminder of the vulnerability of modern infrastructure, citing a deadly cold snap that crippled energy networks, and argued that cross-regional transmission and smarter policies are essential if clean energy is to reach its full potential.

Xiaohong Guan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiaohong Guan, showed how hydrogen-powered zero-carbon energy hubs are already proving themselves in industrial parks and ports, offering a scalable model for the wider economy.

Bringing technology down to earth

If the morning sessions were about grand visions, the afternoon panels dug into the practical detail. Perhaps the most vivid example came from a session on ISV project development, where researchers described an unlikely pairing: lobsters and geothermal heat. A team from Beijing Jiaotong University explained how they had replaced coal-fired boilers at a crayfish farm in Jiangsu province with ground-source heat pumps and rooftop solar panels. The system keeps water at a steady 23–26 °C, slashes carbon emissions, and allows farmers to sell their out-of-season produce at double the normal price – all without paying expensive upfront costs thanks to a pay-as-you-go energy service model.

Another striking project came from Shaanxi province’s “dry belt”, where solar panels had traditionally blocked so much sunlight that crops underneath withered. By installing simple reflective panels between the photovoltaic arrays, engineers redirected the intense midday sun back onto the wheat. The result: yields jumped 50% in a drought year, while the land continued to generate both electricity and income.

In Yunnan, century-old tea trees are going high-tech. A team from Kunming University of Technology has equipped remote villages with rooftop solar-plus-storage systems that power electric tea processing and a network of sensors monitoring the trees’ growth. The project creates a “low-carbon brand” that helps farmers sell their ancient tea at a premium on international markets.

Finance, standards, and the human touch

A recurring concern across the forum was how to fund and sustain such projects. A dedicated session on AI and green finance explored everything from eVTOL cargo drones carrying fresh produce over mountains to virtual power plants that use artificial intelligence to balance supply and demand minute by minute. Hu Zhaoguang, a former vice president of the State Grid Energy Research Institute, argued that the real bottleneck is not technology but coordination: only 3.3% of China’s renewable energy is actually consumed locally, he said, and virtual power plants could unlock that surplus if given the right regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, a panel on safety, quality, reliability, and standards highlighted the quieter, but equally critical, side of the smart village equation. Speakers from various countries, including Colombia and China, stressed that without standardized equipment and local training, even the best-intentioned project risks falling apart. A Nigerian-led session showcased a new two-stage funding funnel that requires applicants to prove their business model, community ownership, and clear performance indicators before receiving grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000.

By the time IEEE Smart Village China chair Zhang Xiaofeng handed out awards to volunteers and keynote speakers on the final day, a clear picture had emerged.

Awardees at the 2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China.

Awardees at the 2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China.

Awardees at the 2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China.

The forum was more than a talking shop. It was a marketplace of ideas where a zero-carbon lobster farm, a sun-diverting solar panel, and a battery-equipped electric truck could all find their place in a cleaner, smarter rural future. As Zhang put it: “We have the tools. Now it is about bringing them to the last mile – and making sure they stay there.”

Reflections from the 2026 IEEE Smart Village CRC Symposium in Beijing

Olayinka Ayo, PhD. and Abdelbari Redouane, PhD. (Project Development Committee, IEEE Smart Village)

The 2026 IEEE Smart Village Forum for China, held from 10–13 April in Beijing, offered far more than a technical program. It was an immersion into China’s warmth, hospitality, and rapidly evolving energy landscape. What struck us most was the sincerity of the people we met, academics, students, engineers, and industry leaders who were genuinely committed to community-centered electrification and long-term rural development.

From the outset, it was clear that this was a community united by purpose. Engineers, professors, and entrepreneurs were not simply sharing ideas; they were dedicating their expertise to sustained partnerships with rural communities. Everywhere we turned, we saw the drive for rural revitalization powered by distributed renewable energy systems and emerging AI technologies supporting agriculture, small enterprises, and local livelihoods. Researchers and engineers worked side by side, co-designing project models and refining implementation strategies with a clear focus on scalability and sustainability. Industry partners approached their involvement with a refreshing long-term mindset, aiming to build a resilient rural energy ecosystem where local enterprises can grow and eventually stand independently.

Despite language barriers, translators helped us engage deeply with professionals and entrepreneurs eager to learn more about IEEE Smart Village. The broader Artificial Intelligence in Electrical Engineering (AIEEE) conference added another layer of insight, showcasing practical applications of AI in next-generation energy systems, from agentic AI for energy trading to AI-driven agricultural innovations and advanced digital grid technologies.

Student engagement was another highlight. Students were not just passive attendees but were becoming active contributors, bringing fresh perspectives and technical energy to the work of village-level implementation. We met students who spoke passionately about returning to their home communities to make a difference. Their enthusiasm for ISV’s mission was energizing and reaffirmed the importance of nurturing the next generation of rural energy leaders.

We also learned more about ongoing ISV CRC projects across China, many of which have achieved remarkable progress with modest resources. These initiatives are using solar-based technologies to strengthen traditional industries such as tea processing, dairy farming, and pastoral agriculture, with a strong emphasis on indigenous participation and local capacity building. The final CRC session brought members together to prioritize upcoming projects through a grounded, collaborative process that produced a clear roadmap for the next phase of ISV’s work in China.

Beyond the technical sessions, Beijing offered unforgettable cultural experiences, warm hospitality, and meaningful industry exchanges. We left the Symposium inspired and determined to continue driving impactful, scalable projects within IEEE Smart Village, reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainable, community-driven energy solutions.

IEEE Smart Village (ISV) Program at PowerAfrica Conference PAC 2026

The IEEE Smart Village (ISV) program at the PowerAfrica Conference (PAC) 2026 brings together changemakers, innovators, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are harnessing technology to create sustainable solutions for underserved communities across Africa and beyond.

From September 21–26, 2026, the ISV program will feature a dynamic lineup of keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, technical sessions, and competitions that highlight practical, scalable innovations in energy access, education, healthcare, agriculture, clean water, and more.
A selection of ISV sessions will be open to all PowerAfrica attendees, offering valuable insights and inspiration. In addition, specialized sessions featuring in-depth discussions, capacity-building workshops, and collaborative planning will be available exclusively to ISV participants.

Highlights of the ISV program include the Meet the Entrepreneur Competition and the ISVX Student Paper Contest, which showcase bold ideas and emerging talent driving impact in Smart Village.

A unique feature of the ISV program is the opportunity to learn directly from entrepreneurs who have received support through IEEE Smart Village. These innovators share lessons learned from building and scaling enterprises in challenging environments, offering practical, field-tested guidance on topics such as business development, community engagement, financial sustainability, and technology deployment. Their experiences provide valuable insights into what works in practice while helping participants better understand IEEE Smart Village’s priorities, approach, and vision for creating lasting impact in underserved communities.

Join us in Nairobi and be part of the solution.

Learn more and register: https://ieee-powerafrica.org/isvx/

PowerAfrica Conference is Back! – Editor’s Corner

By Ibiremi Ibikunle

The IEEE PowerAfrica Conference (PAC) is back!

Last year, I made my debut at the conference, and my trip to Cairo, Egypt, was nothing short of an inspiration as it was both professionally rewarding and personally transformative.

Attending the 2025 edition was made even more memorable by the fact that I traveled with my eight-month-old daughter. As first-time international travelers, we encountered a few logistical challenges on arrival, particularly during the Visa on Arrival process. However, the excellent support and their thoughtful coordination of the Organizing Committee allowed me to settle in quickly and focus fully on the conference and the opportunities it presented.
Professionally, the conference exceeded expectations. Since 2023, I have worked closely with colleagues through emails and monthly Zoom meetings. Meeting many of them in person for the first time was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the experience. It reminded me that while technology connects us, nothing quite replaces the warmth of face-to-face interactions.

I had the privilege to present the successes and lessons from my role as Editor of the quarterly ISV Empower Newsletter. Beyond the conference sessions and presentations, meaningful conversations while networking with other participants on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal four, “Quality Education,” gave me fresh ideas on the sustainability of my newly established non-governmental organization, JADE Educational & Support Foundation. Those discussions broadened my perspective and ultimately inspired me to become a volunteer of ISV Sankofa, a grassroots educational program serving rural communities across Africa.

Being surrounded by accomplished researchers, academics, and industry experts was both inspiring and humbling. Although I occasionally felt intimidated by their impressive credentials, the experience rekindled a dream I had quietly set aside to pursue another degree and continue investing in my academic growth.

The conference, through the ISV, gave me another level of confidence to embrace both my professional responsibilities and my role as a mother. Meeting my Nigerian colleagues in Cairo was another memorable highlight. Sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and representing Nigeria together made the experience even more special.

Today, I’m pleased to announce that the conversations and ideas exchange at the conference re-ignited the sleeping giant in me, and all is set for my NGO’s first educational outreach. The outreach will reward over 100 public primary school children in Lagos, Nigeria, who performed excellently in their most recent examinations with school bags and storybooks.

The IEEE Smart Village (ISV) program at the PowerAfrica Conference (PAC) is not limited to engineering alone. It gives room to the educational arm of the ISV by welcoming rich conversations and ultimately encourages passionate African educators that little drops of water will someday make an ocean.