Page 14 - MiNDSPACE Issue 1 2022 - Old Mutual Corporate

renewables impactSPACE
ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, Zonke Energy has developed an energy solution targeted at the millions of people living in off-grid informal settlements. Their systems comprise five-metre towers each with three 1.5 kW solar panels and a 5 kWh storage battery. ‘One tower can power up to 16 households with essential energy,’ co-founder Alex Densmore says.
Subscribers pay a monthly fee based on the package they choose. ‘We have different packages available, starting at R150 per month for lighting and phone charging. Bigger packages allow you to hook up a television or a refrigerator. For the amount you pay, you get a set number of hours of electricity per day.’
Besides providing people with safe and reliable electricity for lighting and allowing children to study, Zonke’s nano-grids impact local economies and people’s ability to earn an income. ‘Some people have, for instance, bought the refrigeration package and are storing their neighbour’s food for a small fee. A local building- block maker can now charge his tools, improving his production and income,’ says Ellen Fischat, founder of social-impact consulting firm Story Room, which developed the social awareness campaign around Zonke’s solutions. ‘Two people now are in the
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10 | ISSUE 1 2022