South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We-R-Eco develops modular plug-in biogas plants that convert organic waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting sustainable waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our innovative solution is scalable and efficient.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We-R-Eco aims to revolutionize waste management by developing modular plug-in biogas plants that convert organic waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer. Our biogas plants utilize advanced anaerobic digestion technology, enhanced with biotechnology components such as specialized microbes, to efficiently break down organic matter. The modular design allows for scalability and easy installation, making it suitable for various contexts, from small farms to large industrial facilities. By diverting organic waste from landfills, we reduce methane emissions and promote a circular economy. The biogas produced can be used for electricity generation and heating, while the digestate serves as an eco-friendly fertilizer. Currently in the design phase. Our goal is to provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution that addresses the pressing challenges of waste management and energy generation, ultimately contributing to environmental conservation and energy independence.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem We-R-Eco is addressing is the inefficient management of organic waste, which leads to significant environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, contribute to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and fail to utilize the valuable resources contained in organic waste. By converting this waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer, our solution not only mitigates environmental impacts but also promotes sustainable energy generation and resource recovery, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

We-R-Eco's modular plug-in biogas plants offer several major benefits and advantages: Environmental Impact: By converting organic waste into biogas, we significantly reduce methane emissions from landfills, contributing to climate change mitigation. Additionally, our process diverts waste from traditional disposal methods, promoting a cleaner environment. Renewable Energy Generation: Our biogas plants produce renewable energy that can be used for electricity and heating, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy independence for users. Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer: The byproduct of our biogas process is a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as an eco-friendly fertilizer, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Scalability and Flexibility: Our modular design allows for easy installation and scalability. Cost-Effective Solution: By turning waste into valuable resources, our solution provides a cost-effective waste management option

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our project is aimed at serving a diverse range of stakeholders who generate significant amounts of organic waste and seek sustainable solutions. The targeted beneficiaries include: Food and Beverage Industry: Our primary target is companies involved in food production, processing, and distribution, which generate substantial organic waste. They gain a cost-effective waste disposal solution and renewable energy source. Agricultural Sector: Farmers and agricultural businesses that produce organic waste from crop residues, livestock manure, and food processing byproducts. They benefit from efficient waste management and access to renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer. Municipalities: Municipal waste management authorities responsible for handling organic waste from households and commercial establishments. Our solution helps them reduce landfill use and methane emissions while generating renewable energy. Hospitality Industry: Hotels and restaurants that generate food waste.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

We-R-Eco is founded by Sanele, a seasoned financial specialist and an MBA candidate. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and PgDip in Business Administration with a Digital Transformation Lens, with completed SAICA articles. Sanele brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to the company. Assisting him is, Siyabonga, who holds a N.Dip Civil Engineering and Adv. Dip Civil Engineering, ensuring smooth operational execution and Lungelo, who is equipped with a diverse educational background in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Organic Chemistry, spearheads our technological innovations and responsible for efficacy of our biogas solutions. Together, our team is committed to revolutionizing waste management with sustainable and innovative solutions. We-R-Eco aims to tackle the pressing issue of organic waste management by providing innovative modular biogas plants. Our solution involves compact, plug-and-play units that efficiently convert organic w

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Waste Management industry and Sustainable Energy

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

We-R-Eco's modular plug-in biogas plants contribute to the No Poverty goal by creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods. Our project provides direct and indirect job opportunities in the manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance of biogas plants, thereby supporting local economies. Additionally, the production of nutrient-rich fertilizer from organic waste can enhance agricultural productivity, leading to increased income for farmers. By reducing waste disposal costs and providing an alternative energy source, we help communities save money, which can be redirected to other essential needs, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

We-R-Eco's modular plug-in biogas plants contribute significantly to the Zero Hunger goal by providing nutrient-rich digestate as a byproduct, which serves as an eco-friendly fertilizer. This organic fertilizer improves soil health and boosts agricultural productivity, leading to higher crop yields. By enhancing food production, our project helps ensure food security and availability. Furthermore, by managing organic waste efficiently, we reduce food waste and promote a more sustainable food system. These benefits support farmers in producing more food sustainably, contributing directly to the reduction of hunger.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

We-R-Eco's modular plug-in biogas plants contribute to the Good Health and Well-being goal by improving waste management practices and reducing environmental pollution. Proper management of organic waste reduces the proliferation of disease vectors such as pests and pathogens, thereby lowering the incidence of health issues related to poor sanitation. Additionally, the biogas produced is a clean energy source, reducing reliance on harmful fossil fuels and indoor air pollution from traditional biomass burning. This results in better respiratory health and overall well-being for communities. The nutrient-rich fertilizer produced also supports healthier agricultural practices, leading to more nutritious food production.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We-R-Eco contributes significantly to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by promoting sustainable waste management practices. Our biogas plants efficiently convert organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizer, reducing the environmental burden of waste disposal. By minimizing organic waste in landfills and wastewater treatment systems, we help preserve water quality and availability. Additionally, our technology supports decentralized wastewater treatment in rural and underserved communities, enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Therefore, our project aligns with and actively supports the Clean Water and Sanitation goal.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

We-R-Eco Plug-In Modular Biogas Plants strongly contributes to the Affordable and Clean Energy goal by providing a sustainable, efficient, and affordable energy solution through biogas production from organic waste. Clean Energy Production: The biogas produced by WE-R-ECO plants serves as a renewable and clean energy source. It can replace fossil fuels for electricity generation, heating, and cooking, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner energy alternatives. Energy Efficiency: Anaerobic digestion technology used in these plants is highly efficient in converting organic waste into biogas. This process maximizes energy output from waste materials, contributing to energy efficiency. Affordability: By utilizing locally available organic waste, WE-R-ECO plants offer a cost-effective solution for energy production. This accessibility helps in making clean energy more affordable and accessible to communities, businesses, and industries

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

We-R-Eco Plug-In Modular Biogas Plants contribute positively to Decent work and economic growth by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, fostering skills development, and promoting entrepreneurial opportunities in the renewable energy and waste management sectors.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We-R-Eco's modular plug-in biogas plants represent significant innovation in waste management and renewable energy. Our advanced anaerobic digestion technology and scalable modular design contribute to sustainable infrastructure development. By promoting the use of cutting-edge biotechnology components and efficient energy production, we drive industry innovation and support the development of resilient, sustainable infrastructure.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

As a Black-owned enterprise, We-R-Eco actively promotes economic empowerment and job creation within marginalized communities. By providing employment opportunities and fostering inclusive economic growth, we help reduce social and economic inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

We-R-Eco's biogas plants enhance the sustainability of cities and communities by providing a reliable and clean energy source, reducing waste sent to landfills, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Our solutions promote circular economy principles, improve public health by reducing pollution, and contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of urban and rural communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our project directly addresses responsible consumption and production by converting organic waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer. By promoting efficient resource use, reducing waste, and creating valuable by-products, We-R-Eco fosters sustainable consumption and production practices, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

We-R-Eco Plug-In Modular Biogas Plants directly aligns with the objectives of the Climate action goal by addressing key environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices in waste management and energy production. By converting organic waste into biogas, our project significantly reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, which would otherwise be released from landfill sites. The biogas produced can be used as a renewable energy source for electricity generation or heating thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate impacts associated with traditional energy sources. Our project promotes a circular economy by closing the loop on organic waste streams. By transforming waste into valuable resources (biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizer), it minimizes resource extraction and consumption, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

We-R-Eco significantly contributes to the Life on land goal by reducing the environmental impact of organic waste disposal, preventing soil and water contamination, and enhancing soil health through the use of nutrient-rich digestate as fertilizer. Our sustainable waste management practices help protect terrestrial ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration is at the core of We-R-Eco’s mission. We will establish partnerships with waste management facilities, local governments, and other stakeholders to advance our goals. These partnerships are essential for scaling our technology, sharing knowledge, and achieving broader sustainability objectives. By fostering strong, collaborative relationships, we contribute to the global effort to achieve sustainable development goals.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

We-R-Eco's biogas plants incorporate cutting-edge biotechnology components and a modular design that enhances the anaerobic digestion process, making it a new and innovative technology in the waste-to-energy sector. Our biogas plants improve upon existing solutions by offering increased efficiency, scalability, and ease of installation. The use of specialized microbes enhances the breakdown of organic matter, resulting in higher biogas yields and better environmental outcomes. Our biogas plants can be seen as an extension of existing biogas technologies, incorporating advanced features and modularity to address broader market needs and applications. While there are biogas solutions available, our project addresses specific unmet needs such as scalability, ease of installation, and enhanced efficiency. Our biogas plants represent a new and improved version of traditional biogas systems. We incorporate modern advancements in biotechnology and design to create a more effective solution.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our main potential competitors in the biogas sector are Bio2Watt, Biogas Consulting SA, and Anaergia Africa Pty Ltd. While these companies offer established biogas solutions. The units offered are large scale installations. We-R-Eco stands out due to our innovative modular plug-in design, which allows for easy scalability and installation. Our biogas plants are enhanced with advanced biotechnology components, including specialized microbes, to maximize the efficiency of anaerobic digestion and biogas yield. Additionally, our focus on affordability and adaptability makes our solution accessible to a wider range of customers, from small farms to large industrial facilities. By integrating environmental sustainability with economic benefits, we provide a comprehensive and competitive solution for waste management and renewable energy generation.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Currently, we have not initiated action within our community, however we do plan to partner with women-led organizations and have inclusive hiring practices within the company, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to join our team in various roles, including technical, managerial, and leadership positions.