EELA participated in the UNIDO Long Night of Research held at UNIDO Headquarters, presenting a virtual reality training solution developed under the EELA Kenya Country Window Project. The solution demonstrates how immersive technologies - including Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR) - can transform training and capacity building, particularly in the maintenance and repair of energy-efficient technologies. 

In many rural and remote areas, a broken piece of equipment such as a solar water pump or a solar-powered refrigeration unit can mean lost harvests, spoiled goods, and growing e-waste. Yet access to skilled technicians remains limited. Training them is part of the challenge: many TVET institutions lack the equipment for hands-on practice, and once in the field, technicians often work in conditions where spare parts are hard to come by, a mistake is costly, and a second chance unlikely, often leading to crop losses, disrupted livelihoods and environmental damage. 

Virtual reality addresses both barriers by enabling trainees to practice repair and maintenance in realistic, immersive environments before entering the field. It builds the diagnostic skills and confidence needed to intervene effectively, even in the most difficult conditions. In doing so, it strengthens technical capabilities and expands access to quality training. This contributes to a just energy transition by equipping workers to actively participate in and benefit from the shift towards cleaner energy systems. At the same time, it responds to the aspirations of a new generation of clean energy professionals through a modern, technology-driven approach to skills development.

The initiative is implemented by UNIDO and co-developed with Adanian Labs, incorporating inputs from key market stakeholders including the Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA), original equipment manufacturers, and distributors. Private sector participation includes SunCulture, providing solar water pumping solutions, and Baridi, specialising in solar refrigeration and cold storage. The initiative is currently being piloted in selected TVET institutions under the guidance of TVETA to support deployment, learner engagement, and continuous feedback. 

Learn more about EELA Kenya's VR-based training solution: https://www.eela-project.org/VR-Immersive-Training-for-Clean-Energy-Skills-in-Kenya