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Schneider and Enactus empower Africa’s energy innovators

The 2024 Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge by Schneider Electric and Enactus has finally come to an end but not without showcasing remarkable works from young innovators across Africa.

This year, the culmination of projects in the challenge yielded groundbreaking work in local energy challenges with sustainability in mind.

The challenge is initiated by a Schneider Electric engineer in South Africa and backed by the Schneider Electric Foundation, giving young participants in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria the opportunity to create innovative battery solutions. Launched in February 2024, it includes professional training, workshops, and community involvement, to develop socially responsible leaders.

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List of Winners – Country Wise:

Nigeria: The team, representing the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, proposed the MAX Battery, which serves to regulate battery temperatures by an advanced solution coupled with IoT-enabled remote monitoring, aiming at the longevity and reliability needed by renewable energy providers and manufacturers of electric vehicles and at reducing the amount of batteries going to landfills.

Kenya: The winning project, from Strathmore University-AfterLife-deals with lithium-ion battery waste management through providing it a second life in energy storage and refurbishing, suggesting also hydrometallurgical recycling for components of the spent batteries and pointing at possibilities to open jobs for persons and observe environmental sustainability.

South Africa: Central University of Technology developed Kratos Batteries, with a separator and casing made from recyclable material. Its most exciting feature, however, is its AI-driven battery management system for maximum charging cycles with real-time insight into battery health.

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Zimbabwe: The University of Zimbabwe’s team came with what is known as the 7EN Battery, an intelligent self-sustaining system meant to upgrade energy storage with the automated thermal regulation of the battery temperature using the Intelligent Battery Management System-IBMS.

Carina van Zyl, Schneider Electric’s Corporate Citizenship Leader for Anglophone Africa, said the development of the future leaders in sustainable energy solutions needs nurturing. “The Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge underlines our commitment to fostering useful innovation in making a difference in communities,” she said.

Students and academics with leaders in the business, together,” underscored Letitia de Wet, CEO & Country Director, Enactus South Africa, “have indeed crafted remarkably very great solutions with the batteries.” Indeed, this is something that availed students opportunities of unparalleled opportunities with world leaders, really committed to see them rise full throttle to their potentials.

As the world increasingly shifts toward sustainable energy solutions, such initiatives as the Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge are instrumental in empowering the next generation of leaders to address urgent environmental challenges with innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit.

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Mining Review Africa
Content Team

Mining Review Africa

Mining Review Africa is a platform promoting advancement and sustainable development in African mining, providing insights on technology, finance, and industry trends through engagement with mining companies and suppliers.