SCIENTISTS from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are collaborating on a R70 million research project to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy. Swansea University is leading the project.
In this project, the cost of manufacturing solar cells will be lower and require less energy due to the materials used with the emerging perovskite technology. Shaped carbon nanomaterials – produced sustainably from renewable lignocellulosic biomass – will be incorporated with perovskite in the fabrication of solar cells. Africa has an abundant supply of diverse lignocellulosic biomass.
Currently, more than 500 million people in Africa lack access to electricity. Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing (Reach-PSM) aims to establish the continent’s first full-scale demonstration of next-generation solar manufacturing, improving social welfare and promoting new, clean economic growth. Funded by the UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme, Reach-PSM is a collaboration among universities, businesses and local communities in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Swansea University in the United Kingdom, initiated and led this funding through Professor Matthew Davies, principal investigator for Reach-PSM, Unesco chair in sustainable technologies and Honorary Professor in the School of Chemistry and Physics at UKZN. Joint collaborators include Professor Vincent Nyamori, Professor Bice Martincigh, and Professor Thea van der Westhuizen from UKZN.
The consortium held a symposium in Ballito recently under the theme Exploring the International Opportunities for Addressing Energy Access by Bringing Next Generation Solar Technologies to Market. Delegates from the UK, US, Germany, Spain, India, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania attended the symposium.
UKZN Professor Vincent Nyamori, a co-investigator on the project delivered a welcome address emphasising the need for meaningful and impactful collaborations within Africa and in conjunction with developed nations to provide affordable, sustainable solar energy solutions, which are much needed in Africa.
Professor Davies said, “A key element of the project will be developing effective end-of-life treatment to minimise waste and maximise the circular flow of materials through reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of solar modules.”
Professor Thea Van der Westhuizen’s work centres on leadership building for entrepreneurial ecosystems and fostering community engagement to create a substantial impact both within and beyond the partnering universities. Her efforts emphasise the importance of integrating youth entrepreneurship into the innovation process. Speaking at the event, she highlighted that a robust, community-engaged ecosystem relies on diverse role players, each contributing distinct expertise and an innovative mindset.
Professor Martincigh highlighted that Africa is abundantly blessed with solar radiation, which needs to be enhanced.