This month marks one of the biggest moments for the MESCH project so far. The whole system has arrived in Malawi, and the project partners are now on site at Mwanza District Hospital, beginning installation. After months of careful planning and preparation, it’s exciting to see everything come together. 

Work begins at full speed

Since the MESCH team arrived at the hospital, they have been working at full speed. Prof. Dani Strickland, from Loughborough University, described it: “It has been crazy busy.” In just a short time, the team has completed several key tasks. They dug the main pit, prepared the foundations, built the frame, positioned and tested the hydrogen storage pipe, and connected it to the system.

They also improved the container ventilation and replaced the old roof with a raised one as part of the system setup. Work is now moving towards the kitchen area and cell top-up.

Despite long days, intense sun, and unexpected rain, the team continues to push forward with energy. “The team has been amazing,” Prof. Strickland said. “Everyone is very driven to succeed, and it makes for a lot of hard work, some sunburn and as of today, with the rain, a field of red mud!”

Towards clean, reliable energy

From the local side, the moment is just as meaningful. Soustain Chigalu from INFLO called it “exciting, like a moon landing” to finally see MESCH taking shape. “MESCH is a unique project that pushes our thinking beyond boundaries. We have to innovate and adapt to the dynamic conditions on the ground. Working with everyone has been phenomenal,” he said.

MESCH will begin producing green hydrogen and clean electricity for the hospital once installation, testing, and commissioning are complete. The system is designed to replace traditional cooking fuels like wood and charcoal, improving air quality and supporting safer cooking for hospital staff.

Next steps for MESCH

Once the MESCH system is up and running, the team will closely monitor its performance under real-world conditions. “We will continue raising awareness of the hybrid energy system to the communities near the hospital. We will further embark on dissemination of the results from the pilot battery electrolyser through public engagements, conferences, social media and other innovative platforms,” said Mr. Chigalu.

With the installation in progress, MESCH is moving from an idea to reality. The months ahead will bring the project closer to providing clean cooking fuel and dependable electricity for Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi, demonstrating what this hybrid battery-hydrogen approach can offer for the future.