SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR LiGE

It is rare for an innovation project to address a current market need with a potentially disruptive technology that is so close to commercialization. The timing of the project is perfect with time-of-use tariffs being implemented across the country. This, along with a very attractive ROI, means that several business models including outright sale or lease will be viable depending on the end user’s appetite for risk.

The following approach is recommended as a viable route to market.

• Run pilot tests at a client’s site.
• Package the product into a product that meets all applicable SANS standards and OshAct requirements.
• Sell as a manufacturer through existing renewable energy outlets. This would improve the ROI on renewable energy and so would be an attractive proposition for such companies.

Energy Challenges in Africa

Africa’s energy sector must address the interrelated challenges of energy access, energy security and climate change mitigation and adaption, which are intertwined with the region’s economic challenges.  These challenges considerably complicate the implementation of regional strategies aimed at fostering socio-economic development, attracting foreign investment programmes, and providing basic social services. 

Energy policies must therefore address these challenges in an integrated way that focuses on social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Energy poverty

Energy poverty and its consequences for local economies and social development are projected to remain the predominant challenge for Africa through to 2030.  Significant energy access and energy pricing inequalities exist between urban and rural areas.  Whereas urban areas tend to use energy in the form of electricity, rural areas continue to rely on largely traditional biomass, charcoal, kerosene etc for meeting their energy requirements for cooking, lighting and heating. 

Wide gaps exist between the access rates in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Large energy users are dependent on generators with high fuel constraints to ensure energy security.

Energy Security

Energy security is of high importance to energy users as it affects economic growth and industrial development.  The external and internal environment for the energy sector has changed considerably in the past few years and requires urgent answers from policymakers. 

Currently the electricity systems in Africa are confronted with the reality of energy vulnerability, price volatility and system unreliability. 

The electricity systems in Africa are facing tremendous challenges due to the growing gap between predicted demand, existing supply capabilities and limited capital to invest. 

Poor operation and maintenance of grids and generation facilities has led to this severe energy crisis.

Climate change, mitigation and adaption

Africa’s economies will inevitably be confronted in the coming decades by the effects of mitigation and adaptation costs as a result of climate change.  Urgent investments in generation and transmission facilities are needed to satisfy the increasing urban and rural needs for modern, affordable and reliable energy services.  In the meantime, expansion of an energy supply based on inefficient, low-cost, fossil fuels will increase GHG emissions and increase negative climate change impacts. 

Energy as a key factor for development

Energy is considered a key factor in achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Therefore: - By making available new and renewable energy sources, the use of storage becomes a priority.

By improved energy efficiency by large energy users and rural residential users, renewable energy based micro-grids will reduce the dependence on the utility nd will open up areas not currently serviced by the utility.

Access to clean, reliable and affordable energy services is a basic human need i.e. in households, healthcare, schools, industry and productive uses to improve productivity represent the minimum levels required to improve livelihoods in the poorest countries and to drive local economic development on a sustainable basis.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency potential

The potential of renewable energy in Africa is significant, and most installations are unevenly distributed.  There is considerable potential for energy efficiency improvements in the renewable energy sector.

IMPACT METRICS

LiGE will create a positive environmental impact by reducing hazardous waste from battery waste combustion emissions that other electrical energy storage systems face.  In contrast, LiGE’s 5MwH system is expected to produce in excess of 25K litres of water per day.

Our impacts are as follows, with priorities being:

Energy Efficiency

Implement energy-efficient technologies in our manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Use renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to power your operations.

Waste Reduction:

Implement waste reduction strategies such as recycling, reusing materials, and minimizing packaging waste.

Develop a waste management plan to ensure proper disposal of waste materials.

Resource Conservation:

Optimize resource use by reducing water consumption, using eco-friendly materials, and minimizing raw material waste.

Implement sustainable sourcing practices to ensure the responsible use of natural resources.

Emissions Reduction:

Monitor and reduce air emissions from your manufacturing processes by investing in emission control technologies.

Track and report greenhouse gas emissions to identify opportunities for improvement.

Product Lifecycle Assessment:

Conduct a lifecycle assessment of your products to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impact at each stage of the product's life, from production to disposal.

Green Supply Chain:

Work with suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices and ethical standards to ensure your entire supply chain operates responsibly.

Encourage suppliers to reduce their environmental footprint and embrace sustainable practices.

Employee Engagement:

Educate and engage employees on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility to foster a culture of sustainability within your organization.

Encourage employees to participate in sustainability initiatives and provide opportunities for them to contribute ideas for improvement.

Community Involvement:

Engage with local communities to support environmental initiatives, conservation efforts, and sustainable development projects.

Participate in community clean-up events, tree planting activities, and other initiatives that benefit the environment.

Certifications and Standards:

Obtain certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) to demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility.

Adhere to sustainability standards and guidelines relevant to your industry to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

By incorporating these practices into your business operations and making a genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, you can create a positive impact on the environment, build a reputation as a responsible business, and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

www.lige.co.za - info@lige.co.za  

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