The Beginning of LFE: A Lockdown Project
This whole idea started during lockdown when I tried to make a 3D-printed wind turbine generator from a project I found online. I say tried because it ended up melting in our living room while I spun it with a drill!
Despite the melting incident, from that point on, the possibility of being able to generate electricity from a self built device using simple parts, and without the need for fuel really captured my imagination.
So the idea of Leapfrog Energy was born: to skip traditional electrification by using renewable energy, equipping communities with access to electricity, and the skills to build and maintain systems.
Feb
2021
Starting University
This idea heavily influenced my time at university. I had originally applied to study geography, but I knew I wanted to pursue renewable energy and focus on rural electrification. At an open day I headed to the engineering workshop and met Phil Nesbitt (Legend), who said I might be able to swap courses if I get in.
So despite having none of the required A-levels, after my very first geography lecture, which was outdoors in the rain, I arranged a meeting that led to me switching courses to BSc Renewable Energy.
Our first ever assignment was to write an essay about an innovation of renewable energy, and I chose to write about local manufacturing of renewable energy in central Africa.
For a business module in my second year, I made a proposal for a community interest company called Leapfrog Energy, that aims to train students in practical engineering skills, sound familiar?
Sept
2021
Work Placement 1
After scraping through maths, mechanics, and electronics modules (I only have a very average GCSE in maths), I started my first work placement. Keeping with the theme of rural electrification, I joined Leading Edge Power, a company specialising in off-grid energy systems that combine small-scale wind, solar, and battery storage.
During this placement I learned how to conduct resource assessments and design offgrid systems, gaining practical skills for providing power in remote locations.
June
2023
Rural Electrification Dissertation
My dissertation titled "A Cost Analysis of Axial Flux Generator Rotor Topologies for Locally Manufactured Small Wind Turbines" (catchy title) was a blatant excuse to learn how to build a wind turbine from simple, accessible materials such as wood, scaffolding poles and trailer bearings. Most of the work was carried out in my Grandads garage over the Christmas break!
This experience gave me hands-on skills in metal fabrication and wiring, alongside a deep understanding of how the system works.
Feb
2024
Work Placement 2
My second work placement was with a small wind turbine start up in Copenhagen. This role gave me more practical experience in both designing and constructing systems, and deepened my understanding of the subject to the point of being able to teach others.
It also gave me the confidence to accomplish something I initially had no idea how to do, which is quite helpful when starting a charity.
June
2024
Solar Boat Project
Now in my fourth year at university, after switching again to the MEng course, I took on the SoleX Solar Boat project as project lead. This taught me a lot about leading a team of engineers, and it was a lot of fun.
Oct
2024
First Visit to Burundi
So up to this point its quite obvious that I wanted to go into rural electrification in some way, shape or form, but I had no idea how, or where I was going to start, so one Saturday night I prayed about it.
Nathan turned up at church the next day and shared about his work as an architect living in Burundi, working with rural communities to develop housing for those most in need.
I made a beeline for him and said I would love to visit, Six months later I was in Burundi, living with his family for 2 weeks! People often describe something as the trip of a lifetime when they mean it happened once, but for me that truly was the trip of a lifetime and I have every intention of going back.
I spent lots of my time in Buyenzi market, sourcing parts for a locally manufactured wind turbine and working alongside mechanics and students to develop components. I met some amazing people, and saw lots of a beautiful country.
June
2025
Next Steps
My hope is that what I have learned during my time at university can now be put into practice to benefit others. The next steps are to work closely with the young engineers I met in Burundi to develop these projects further and to begin planning, team building and fundraising to make them a reality.
That's how it started, click news for monthly updates
