Our Mandate
To conduct research that ensures sustainable water resource management, advances renewable energy technologies, and promotes environmental conservation for Zambia's sustainable development.
Our Mission
To innovate and deliver science-based solutions for water security, clean energy access, and environmental protection through cutting-edge research and partnerships with communities and industry.
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence in water, energy and environmental research in Africa, driving innovation and contributing to a sustainable and climate-resilient future for all.
About the Department
The Water, Energy & Environment department at NISIR is Zambia's leading research hub for sustainable resource management. Established in 2002, we have been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for water quality assessment, renewable energy technologies, and environmental conservation. Our state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with water quality analyzers, solar testing facilities, and environmental monitoring instruments, along with our expert team of hydrologists, energy engineers, and ecologists, collaborate with local and international partners to address Zambia's most pressing environmental challenges.
Department in Action
Water Quality Laboratory
See our advanced water testing and analysis facilities
Solar Energy Research
Testing photovoltaic systems for rural electrification
Research Activities
Water Quality Analysis
Physicochemical and microbiological testing
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic system optimization
Environmental Monitoring
Air and water quality assessment
Biomass Energy
Sustainable biofuel research
Past Projects
Kafue River Basin Assessment (2020-2025)
Comprehensive water quality and flow monitoring of the Kafue River, establishing baseline data for sustainable management.
Rural Solar Mini-Grids (2019-2024)
Designed and deployed 15 solar mini-grids in rural communities, providing clean energy to over 10,000 households.
Miombo Woodland Conservation (2018-2023)
Developed sustainable management plans for Miombo woodlands, balancing conservation with community needs.
Current Research Projects
Groundwater Recharge and Climate Change
Lead: Dr. Banda · Started Jan 2026 · Expected completion: Dec 2028
Modeling groundwater recharge rates under different climate change scenarios in the Barotse sub-basin.
Affordable Solar Home Systems
Lead: Dr. Mulenga · Started Mar 2025 · Expected completion: Aug 2027
Developing low-cost, high-efficiency solar home systems using locally available components.
Plastic Waste to Energy
Lead: Dr. Phiri · Started Feb 2026 · Expected completion: Mar 2029
Pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into fuel oil and charcoal for industrial use.
Recent Publications
Banda K., Mulenga C., et al. (2026). "Climate change impacts on groundwater recharge in the Barotse sub-basin, Zambia." Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 45, 101-118.
Mulenga C., Phiri S. (2025). "Performance evaluation of low-cost solar home systems under Zambian conditions." Renewable Energy, 215, 119-132.
Phiri S., Banda K. (2025). "Pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste for fuel production: A case study from Lusaka." Journal of Environmental Management, 335, 117-129.