XON has rolled out an alternative energy division, XON AE, a research and development facility that aims to localise energy-saving initiatives. This is part of its plans to promote renewable energy solutions in the informal sector.
The company has also developed a solar solution in a box called Alternative Energy that can power devices such as mobile phones and radios and up to five lights for 10 hours without recharging.
The ICT solutions provider is already in talks with local government to roll out these low cost energy solutions to informal settlements. According to the company, the units cost R2 500 but have an ROI of between 18 and 24 months calculated only on the savings on candles, paraffin and mobile phone charging.
Carel Coetzee, CEO of XON, says this technology has the potential to enable government to cost-effectively provide electricity to thousands of informal settlements, and low cost houses with no access to electricity.
“We see the informal and low-cost housing markets in Africa and SA as being the initial focus of our efforts because these people have the biggest need for simple, affordable off-the-grid power solutions,” says Coetzee.
“SA is in the grips of an energy crisis. Eskom has been given the go-ahead to increase the price of electricity by 25% for the next three years, which means the price will effectively double.
“They're also building more coal power stations that will produce more pollution. Yet, there are people living in informal settlements who do not have electricity for simple lights and cellphone charging,” says Coetzee.
He adds that XON AE is investing in research and development of alternatively powered street lights, security lights, reading lamps, cellphone chargers, power for TVs, radios, water pumps and energy efficient off-the-grid manufacturing plants.
Coetzee says XON AE is engaging with tertiary institutions in its R&D projects. It is also offering university students prizes and bursaries for creating an innovative product design using renewable energy.
“We developed the product in March but have only released it to the market once we opened our new division. We're currently busy researching other technologies incorporating geothermal and wind energy.”
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