UKZN and Youtility partner to revolutionise South Africa’s energy landscape with AI-driven technology

In a monumental step towards redefining South Africa's energy future, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced a strategic Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Hong Kong tech company Youtility.

This collaboration promises to harness cutting-edge, AI-driven technology to enhance how electricity is produced, managed, and distributed—setting the stage for a cleaner, more sustainable energy model.

The JVA aligns with UKZN’s vision of evolving into South Africa's first predominantly renewable green university.

With Eskom Distribution already expressing interest in the project's potential, the agreement positions UKZN as a pioneering test bed for next-generation energy technologies.

This collaborative framework not only aims at local energy independence but also aspires to provide a blueprint that could influence national energy distribution policies in the years to come.

During the launch event at UKZN’s Westville campus, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, described the partnership as a “defining moment” in addressing South Africa’s chronic energy issues.

He emphasised, “This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa.”

Professor Leigh Jarvis, Acting Director of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Program, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the partnership represents a commitment to transformative change.

“At its core, the recognition that the future of electricity lies in disruption networks and decentralised energy systems is essential. Microgrids powered by solar energy, storage solutions, and advanced operational systems are becoming key pillars in creating a resilient, flexible, and inclusive energy landscape,” he noted.

Youtility's Director, Wayne Mostert, detailed how their flagship technology, the AI-driven operating system called Wizdom, will reshape electricity management.

He likened the anticipated shift in the utility sector to the digital disruption experienced in entertainment media. “Where Blockbuster failed to adapt, Netflix scaled using data and customer-centricity. Similarly, Youtility aims to reform the utility landscape with a decentralised, user-centred infrastructure,” Mostert explained.

The strategic rollout will begin at the Westville campus, encompassing all five UKZN campuses—Howard, Edgewood, Medical School, and Pietermaritzburg—over the coming phases.

The initiative promises not only to bolster local energy independence but to cultivate a hands-on learning environment for students involved in managing and maintaining this advanced system.

Students will also gain invaluable experiential learning by participating in real-world applications of energy technology, contributing to research, and potentially launching spin-off companies that stem from this partnership.

Professor Jarvis elaborated on this dual advantage: “This collaboration paves the way for student-led innovations and a direct connection between academic learning and the industries that will shape our energy future.”

Addressing the prevalent issue of load shedding, the innovative energy model offers a compelling solution. By employing a decentralised approach, UKZN will begin generating power on-site through over 2,000 solar panels and battery storage units.

The intelligent management by Wizdom will ensure a steady power supply, buffering against national grid failures by allowing each campus to operate independently during outages.

Through this sustainable setup, UKZN aims not only to reduce operational costs but also generate bill savings for consumers.

By introducing real-time blockchain billing, consumers will have unmatched transparency concerning their energy usage—paying only for what they consume, reducing the likelihood of electricity theft and restoring fairness to billing practices.

In its pursuit of becoming the country’s most environmentally sustainable university, UKZN aims to generate clean energy daily while significantly decreasing fossil fuel reliance.

The project also envisions creating an innovation hub for energy technology at the university, further bridging the gap between academia and industry in the broader fight against climate change.

As the global call for action against climate change intensifies, this groundbreaking partnership between UKZN and Youtility may very well set a precedent for universities, towns, and future initiatives across South Africa and beyond.

As noted by Professor Jarvis, “If everyone pays their fair share, then no one has to pay extra.”

This transformational partnership between UKZN and Youtility seeks to illuminate South Africa's complicated energy landscape by providing a modern, sustainable solution.

As the country grapples with persistent energy challenges, this project may define the educational and energetic framework for future generations, echoing a call for innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the realm of power generation and management.

DAILY NEWS