Ms . Likonge Makai | Micro-hybrid renewable energy | Women Researcher Award 

Manager Energy , Tshwane University of Technology , Zambia

Likonge Brenda Mulenga Makai is a dedicated Zambian engineer specializing in power systems and renewable energy technologies. With over two decades of experience, she has made significant contributions to the energy sector, particularly in rural electrification and energy management. She is a recognized leader, serving as the Manager of Energy at Konkola Mineral Resources Limited and has been actively involved in various engineering initiatives across Zambia and internationally.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Academic and Professional Achievements: Likonge Brenda Mulenga has a solid academic background with a Master’s in Energy Systems and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Engineering, focusing on power systems and renewable energy. Her work on developing cost-effective micro-hybrid power plants for rural areas is highly relevant to global energy challenges, especially in developing regions.
2. Publications and Presentations: She has published several papers in international conferences, such as the Power Africa Conference and IEEE AFRICON. These publications highlight her active engagement in the research community and her contributions to addressing energy issues in Africa, particularly in Zambia.
3. Leadership Roles and Recognition: Likonge has held significant leadership roles, including being the Board Chairperson for the Rural Electrification Authority and receiving the PUSH Woman in Engineering Award. These roles demonstrate her influence and leadership in the field of energy systems and her commitment to advancing women’s roles in engineering.
4. Community and Mentorship Involvement: Her involvement in mentoring undergraduate students and her participation in various community-oriented organizations, such as the Girls Brigade and Zambia National STEM Foundation, show her dedication to empowering the next generation of engineers, particularly women.
5. Technical Expertise and Industry Experience: With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, working on projects that enhance power reliability and energy efficiency, Likonge brings a wealth of practical knowledge that bridges the gap between academia and industry.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader International Collaboration: While Likonge has significant experience and recognition in Africa, expanding her collaboration with international research teams outside the continent could enhance her global research impact.
2. Publication in High-Impact Journals: Although she has presented at conferences, increasing her publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals would further solidify her research credentials and visibility within the global scientific community.
3. Funding and Grant Acquisition: Securing more competitive research grants, especially from international bodies, would not only support her ongoing research but also demonstrate her ability to attract funding for significant projects.

Education

Likonge earned her Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) from Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa (2019-2023), where she developed cost-effective micro-hybrid power plant schemes for rural areas. She holds a Master’s in Planning and Operations of Energy Systems from Kathmandu University, Nepal (2014), with a focus on renewable technologies, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Copperbelt University, Zambia (2005), specializing in Electrical Power Systems.

Experience

Likonge has a rich history of working in Zambia’s mining sector. Since 2022, she has served as the Manager of Energy at Konkola Mineral Resources Limited. Previously, she held roles such as Head of Electrical and Instrumentation at Nchanga Concentrator and Tailing Dams (2018-2021), and Project Support Office Coordinator at Konkola Copper Mines Plc (2008-2017). Her experience includes energy management, electrical maintenance, and leading strategic projects in the mining industry.

Research Interests

Likonge’s research interests lie in the development of sustainable and renewable energy solutions, particularly for rural communities. Her work focuses on optimizing micro-hybrid power plants, renewable energy technologies, and energy management systems that aim to reduce energy costs and improve reliability in off-grid areas.

Awards

Likonge’s achievements are numerous, including receiving the PUSH Woman in Engineering Award (2018) and being appointed Board Chairperson for the Rural Electrification Authority (2021). She was also recognized for her contributions to the IEEE Smart Village initiative and her leadership in various energy-saving projects.

Publications

Likonge has several publications in prestigious journals and conferences:

• “A Review of Load Assessment and Load Prioritization for Micro-Hybrid Power Plants in Rural Communities” (2022, Power Africa Conference) – Cited by Article
• “Modeling of a Cost-Effective Implementations and Utilization Scheme for Micro-Hybrid Plants in Rural Areas: A Case of Mayukwayukwa” (2020, Power Africa Conference) – Cited by Article
• “Biomass-Solar PV Micro-Hybrid in Zambia” (2019, UNESCO 6th African Engineering Week) – Cited by Article
• “Energy Solution of Zambia from Micro Hybrid Biomass – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plants” (2017, IEEE AFRICON) – Cited by Article
• “Biogas – An Alternative Household Cooking Technique for Zambia” (2013, Global Humanitarian Technology Conference) – Cited by Article

Conclusion

Likonge Brenda Mulenga is a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive experience, leadership in the energy sector, commitment to community service, and dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions in Zambia position her as a role model for women in engineering. While there are opportunities for her to expand her influence through broader international collaboration and high-impact publications, her current achievements make her highly deserving of recognition through this award.