With a bold vision of establishing a comprehensive value chain that spans from manufacturing to market implementation, Kili Energy is setting a new standard in the green technology sector.“Our aim is to build an energy company that lasts well into the future by doing things differently,” Dube asserts.
Through local manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies, Kili Energy aims to transform the energy industry while generating jobs and fostering economic growth locally.
A cornerstone of Kili Energy’s strategy is in-country manufacturing, a strategic pivot from the country’s reliance on imports for its energy needs. Dube reveals his frustration with South Africa’s importation habits, noting, As a country with an unemployment rate of 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024.
“We have imported poverty and exported jobs.” In response, Kili Energy champions local production, aspiring to create jobs and leverage local talent to establish a resilient energy infrastructure.
Kili Energy’s achievements have caught attention internationally; notably, the company secured intellectual property sharing agreements with Chinese and South Korean companies. Dube proudly states, “We’ve managed to get the Chinese to agree to share their IP with us to manufacture in South Africa which is unusual.”
At the cutting edge of innovation, Kili Energy has partnered with global technology leaders to develop advanced solutions. Through collaboration with South Korean company UCT Incorporated, Kili Energy will manufacture next-generation EV batteries based on ultra-capacitor technology.
These batteries provide high efficiency, longer life, and safety advantages over traditional lithium-ion options. “They charge faster, last longer, and are not prone to fire,” Dube explains, emphasising the safety improvements over lithium-ion technologies.
Furthermore, Kili Energy’s pursuit of sustainable energy extends to the production of smart solar panels through a partnership with Losunt Photovoltaic Technology Co., LTD embedded with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. This innovation allows real-time tracking of panels’ performance and security.
“Our smart solar panels enable users to monitor their status remotely, ensuring they function optimally and securely including preventing theft,” Dube notes. This technology not only enhances operational efficiency but positions Kili Energy as a leader in solar technology innovation.
Kili Energy’s vision encompasses an end-to-end distribution model, from production facilities to market integration. A key facet of this model involves partnerships that facilitate the rollout of products at scale.
Collaborations with companies like Vodacom-backed IoT.nxt and Vodacom empower Kili Energy to integrate advanced technology infrastructures into their systems, aiding local businesses in decarbonisation. This partnership aims to assist Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies in managing and reducing emissions efficiently.
Dube boasts the potential impact, “Our engagement with IoT.nxt and Vodacom is crucial in creating solutions for companies needing to transition to sustainability while realising new avenues for revenue through carbon credits and energy trading.”
In addition to pioneering energy solutions, Kili Energy is establishing a sophisticated platform for aggregating carbon credits and facilitating IRECs trading. This initiative empowers businesses to monetise their carbon reduction efforts, bolstered by a strategic partnership with various cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
Dube highlights, “We’re building an aggregation engine to collect carbon credits and IRECs for trading. This creates a new revenue stream for our clients while making sustainability financially viable.”
Kili Energy positions itself as a trailblazer in energy derivatives, offering companies through the JSE an opportunity to hedge energy costs and trade excess generated energy back to the national grid or municipalities. These initiatives offer a financial incentive for businesses transitioning towards sustainable energy practices.
Despite Kili Energy’s innovative approach, challenges remain, particularly in accessing venture capital. “Venture capital in this country is almost non-existent,” Dube laments, emphasising the need for financial support to realise their large-scale projects. The Africa Green Economy Summit provides an optimistic outlook, bringing together investors and industry leaders who can potentially accelerate these ground breaking projects.
Kili Energy is on a transformative journey poised to reshape South Africa’s energy sector. The company’s focus on sustainability, technology innovation, and local empowerment sets a precedent for future energy companies.
Dube envisions broader impacts, particularly through influencing policy and aligning with regulatory priorities to maximise the benefits of local manufacturing, sustainable jobs, and innovation in green technology. Dube concludes, “The energy transition is not just about providing solutions, but building a sustainable framework that supports our economy and environment for generations.”
Kili Energy will be among the projects pitching at Africa’s Green Economy Summit, held on 19–20 February 2025 at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town. Register now to meet the team and explore 40 other transformative projects!
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