Back in November 2021, we were part of the first International SOS Pitch-Event ‘Match me if you can’. Here, betteries presented its mobile and modular renewable energy solutions to teams from SOS children’s villages from 26 countries in Africa.
The Go Green Energy Project
The betteries team got matched with the amazing team from SOS children’s villages Zambia and jointly developed the idea for the Go Green Energy Project. This is an energy project for the Mabwa community in the Kazungula district of the Southern Province in Zambia, bringing affordable and mobile energy from renewable energy sources to the community.
After convincing the jury, it was time to meet for a prototyping week in Kenya at the end of February. Besides betteries, 4 other start-ups including Plastic Fisher, Social BnB, TinyTotos and Africa GreenTech and their counterpart teams of other SOS countries all came together.
To ensure long-term sustainability of the project locally, the project team jointly developed a strong sustainability strategy covering social, economic and ecological factors. During this prototyping week, we hugely benefited not only from the work with our local team in Zambia but also from the exchange and networking with the other SOS countries and start-ups.
Next steps
Now, we cannot wait to support the Chilimbana cooperative in the implementation of the Go Green Energy Project over the next 18 months. As a first step, we will provide hardware and the installation of the system. Then, we will provide technical expertise and mentorship to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
“Kabuca uleta tunji” (translation: “as days go by, good things come”, a Zambian Tonga tribe saying)
Climate impact
By using our 2nd life batteries and mobile power solutions, we will be able to avoid up to 35t CO2 and protect scarce resources.
