South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We manufacture modular, scalable energy storage solutions for commercial and utility-scale applications.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We manufacture Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) which store energy for later use, crucial for modern energy management and renewable energy integration. BESS consists of several components, including batteries, a Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure safety and efficiency, inverters/converters to switch between DC and AC, and an Energy Management System (EMS) for optimized control. We bring all these components into a modular unit and optimize the cooling and ventilation systems to maintain optimal temperatures. BESS function by storing excess energy when production exceeds demand, such as from solar or wind, and releasing it when needed, ensuring a stable supply. They provide grid stabilization, peak shaving (reducing demand charges), backup power, and energy arbitrage (buying energy when cheap, selling when expensive).

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

We manufacture Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) designed to store energy for later use, essential for modern energy management and renewable energy integration. Our BESS includes key components such as batteries, a Battery Management System (BMS) for safety and efficiency, inverters/converters to transition between DC and AC, and an Energy Management System (EMS) for optimal control. We integrate these elements into a modular unit, optimizing cooling and ventilation to maintain ideal temperatures. BESS operates by storing excess energy when production exceeds demand, such as from solar or wind sources, and releasing it when needed to ensure a stable supply. These systems offer grid stabilization, peak shaving to reduce demand charges, backup power, and energy arbitrage, allowing energy to be bought when cheap and sold when expensive.

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

1. Our modular units enhance grid stability by providing frequency regulation, voltage support, and load balancing, crucial as more renewable energy sources are integrated. It stores energy when production is high and releases it when demand is greater, ensuring a consistent power supply. 2. They offer reduction electricity costs through peak shaving and energy arbitrage. By using stored energy during high-demand periods and purchasing electricity when prices are low, BESS optimizes energy use and lowers overall costs, benefiting both utilities and consumers. Environmental Impact and Sustainability: BESS supports the integration of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By storing excess renewable energy and making it available when needed, BESS promotes a more sustainable energy system, contributing to environmental conservation and climate goals.

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

• Utilities and Grid Operators: BESS provides grid stabilization, frequency regulation, and voltage support, helping to manage load balancing and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively. • Commercial and Industrial Businesses: These entities benefit from peak shaving, reducing demand charges, and ensuring continuity of operations during outages with backup power. They also gain from energy arbitrage, lowering operational costs by optimizing energy use. • Residential Consumers: Homeowners benefit from increased energy independence, backup power during outages, and potential cost savings through peak shaving and energy arbitrage. • Renewable Energy Providers: BESS enables better integration of solar, wind, and other renewable sources by storing excess energy and ensuring a stable supply, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy projects.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-08

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

1. Her background id in supply chain management, working as a merchandise planner of one of the biggest retail brands in South Africa.

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

BESS contributes indirectly by enabling access to affordable and reliable electricity, which is crucial for poverty reduction and economic development.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Ensures healthcare stability through reliable power for healthcare facilities, critical for maintaining operations and patient care during outages. BESS technology reduces air pollution by decreasing the need for diesel generators and other polluting backup power sources.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Reliable electricity from BESS ensures access to technology in schools, facilitating quality education and improving learning outcomes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

BESS supports water pumping and purification systems, ensuring access to clean water by maintaining reliable power supply in remote areas.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

BESS ensures access to reliable energy through a stable and reliable power supply by storing energy and releasing it when needed, particularly from renewable sources like solar and wind. Renewable Integration: Facilitates the integration of renewable energy into the grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Generates employment opportunities in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of BESS, and lowers energy costs through efficient energy management, contributing to economic growth and energy affordability.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Enhances the resilience and reliability of energy infrastructure by providing backup power and stabilizing the grid. BESS also drives technological advancements in energy storage, promoting innovative solutions for energy management and efficiency.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Supports sustainable urban energy solutions by enabling smart grids and microgrids, enhancing energy reliability in urban areas. Provides backup power during outages, contributing to the resilience of communities and critical infrastructure.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Improves overall energy efficiency by optimizing energy use and reducing waste through peak shaving and energy arbitrage. Promotes responsible energy consumption and helps manage energy resources more sustainably.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by enabling greater use of renewable energy and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Enhances the resilience of energy systems to climate-related disruptions by providing reliable backup power.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

While indirect, BESS contributes to marine conservation by supporting renewable energy development, reducing pollution associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Minimizes the environmental impact of energy production by promoting renewable energy sources and reducing habitat destruction associated with fossil fuel extraction.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

BESS supports stable and resilient energy systems, crucial for maintaining peace and security, and enhancing institutional capacity for sustainable energy management.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

BESS fosters partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities to achieve sustainable development through collaborative efforts in renewable energy adoption and infrastructure development.

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

3

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

2

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

4

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

2

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

4

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

4

05.08 Justification

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

Tesla, LG Energy Partners,

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

N/A