KZN university aims to run on mini solar power stations

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Hong Kong-based tech innovator Youtility are tackling the issues of ageing energy infrastructure and rising electricity costs.

- Lyse Comins

Launched at the Westville campus, a new project harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to change how electricity is generated, distributed and paid for.

UKZN acting deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation Anil Chuturgoon said the project, which will span all five of the university's campuses, is a pioneer in sustainable energy and a testbed for technologies that could reshape how South Africa powers itself.

Despite not having had load-shedding for some time now, the country's energy system remains under strain, with the national grid still reliant on coal and plagued by inefficiencies, outages and electricity theft.

The initiative offers a decentralised, renewable-powered model that leverages microgrids, solar energy, battery storage and new technology to deliver reliable, clean electricity.

The rollout at Westville campus will see about 2 000 solar panels, each producing 600 watts, installed to generate onsite power. Battery banks and a sentient AI system called Wizdom will manage energy flows, ensuring seamless supply even when the national grid falters.

UKZN Eskom power engineering programme acting director Leigh Jarvis said this decentralised energy model “is the opposite of the current, overly centralised power grid that often fails”.