South Africa Living Lab

The Rwanda Living Lab will address the following challenges pertaining to cookstoves: 

1. Low efficiency of Cookstoves 
2. High production cost of cookstoves 
3. Low scaling rate of cookstoves

 Challenges related to second life EV batteries include: 

1. Low awareness about battery-as-a service with second-life batteries offering for new customer segments.
2. Low lifespan of batteries  
3. Low scale-up of second life EVs batteries for other purposes 

1. An off-grid containerised solar energy system is a shipping container converted into a system designed to supply renewable energy that does not rely on the electrical grid. The benefits are that it can supply energy in remote locations and areas where the electrical grid is constrained.

2. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are devices developed to convert sunlight into electricity using PV cells.

3. Second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries are retired EV batteries. When an electric car’s battery reaches below approximately 80% capacity, it is no longer useful for the car. However, the battery still has power and can be repurposed for stationary energy storage. In the off-grid containerised system concept, the surplus solar energy can be stored in second-life EV batteries and subsequently used when energy from the sun is low, for example, at night.

4. Micro-electric vehicles are powered by a battery operating at a typical speed of approximately 25 km/h – 45 km/h.

The demonstration in Alicedale, South Africa, provided a practical and scalable model for implementing renewable energy and micro-mobility solutions in semi-rural communities. The project addressed issues of energy poverty, high emissions, and limited transportation access, offering clean, reliable alternatives.

SESA’s actions in Alicedale were guided by a clear set of strategic objectives, focusing on comprehensive, community-centered development:

A key focus for SESA was to overcome the existing shortage of local technical expertise. The project initiated targeted capacity-building programs, training community members and technicians on the
operation and maintenance of the solar PV system, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This effort was crucial for empowering the community to independently manage the installed systems, ensuring their long-term functionality and fostering local ownership.

SESA successfully deployed a containerized off-grid solar energy system in Alicedale, featuring 20 kWp PV panels and 30.6 kWh of second-life EV batteries for stationary energy storage. This system also provided charging infrastructure for two micro-electric vehicles. These practical, scalable solutions directly addressed the community’s need for reliable electricity and sustainable transport, reducing reliance on costly and polluting traditional fuels. The integrated approach demonstrated a replicable model for other underserved areas.

To ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the renewable energy systems, SESA fostered strong partnerships with local authorities and community organizations. The project’s efforts aligned with South Africa’s national goals, such as the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, advocating for the local implementation of national policies to support renewable energy adoption and enable future replication. Business models integrating Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) were developed to ensure the affordability and accessibility of transportation services.