SA energy startup develops affordable loadshedding solution

Johannesburg-based energy startup iG3N has developed an innovative solution to curb the impacts of loadshedding for local businesses.

The lithium-ion-based battery solution provides businesses with an affordable way to store and use energy during a power outage.

 iG3N has created a cost-effective solution for businesses to use during loadshedding

According to a statement issued by a local electricity provider, Eskom, loadshedding may continue for the next five years with periodic electricity cuts becoming a common occurrence.

Tumi Mphahlele, co-founder of iG3N, provides insight into the inspiration behind creating the lithium-ion-based battery solution.

“Global energy generation has become increasingly decentralised and powered by renewable power sources. As a result, it requires a reliable and secure method of storing and dispatching electricity when it is needed. In South Africa, the main energy grid is unstable, and costs continue to rise. Businesses need to have a reliable and sustainable electricity supply so that they can continue operations without disruptions.”

iG3N lithium-ion-based battery

Founded in 2018, iGN3 is an energy solutions company that supplies high-quality energy storage units for both stationary and e-mobility applications.

The overall focus on the startup is that it has created a mechanism that supports the large-scale adoption of clean technologies. According to a statement on the startup’s LinkedIn page, it aims to reduce Africa’s carbon footprint by supporting the adoption and implementation of renewable energy and clean technologies.

According to the startup, the current alternative energy options available to businesses are limited as imported batteries are not designed with loadshedding in mind as it does not last for long periods of time and are not of high quality.

With this in mind, iG3N created the lithium-ion-based battery solution.

Mphahlele provides insight into the capabilities of the patent and innovatively designed battery.

“The batteries can be charged via solar power or through the grid and are designed to last at least ten years.”

Although there are alternative solutions available to businesses, many of these are costly, such as the implementation of solar panels as a renewable energy source.

“Many companies will sell you more than you need. While we encourage people to convert to solar, we’ve designed our batteries to work alone as well,” adds Mphahlele.

Not only can the solution be implemented in large to small scale businesses but the battery has been designed to also be used in households, catering to the growing trend of remote working and keeping South African’s lights and power source switched on.

“Our products are available to larger companies, as well as to every major installer and distributor in South Africa. Aside from that, we also want to help the average household who is looking for a simple way to help keep the power on for remote work and learning. Providing families with a quick and effective solution to be able to live without the fear of load-shedding, is really where we see the greatest impact of our product,” concludes Mphahlele.

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Featured image: Jack Carter via Unsplash