Reduce the Cost of Energy in Africa

Submitted by: Jonas Ketterle

Collaborators:

• Gil Masters (Stanford University): Professor, Mechanical Engineering
• Mike Lin (Stanford University): CEO, Fenix International

The Problem: Millions of people in the developing world depend on car batteries for electricity, lighting, charging cell phones, and powering computers. Yet not a single study has explored how car batteries are used there, despite the growing market of renewable and distributed generation technologies such as solar, micro wind, micro hydro, and more.

The Plan: This project will develop the academic and development community's understanding of energy ecosystems in emerging markets, and pave the way for the design and implementation of novel energy solutions. Our team from Stanford University will collect data in Uganda and Kenya, and simulate real battery usage in the lab to publish a detailed study on battery usage. Early anecdotal evidence suggests that the findings of this study may help significantly improve the safety, reduce the cost and enhance the efficacy of renewable energy solutions in the developing world.

The Impact: This study will provide ways for the development community to improve electrical service for people who live on $2-10 a day. By helping to provide clean, safe, and reliable electricity in homes and businesses in the developing world, we can contribute to elevating the standard of living and providing economic opportunity for the people that need it most.

More info: Want to dig deeper? Go the the Project Details page to learn more about this project.