A pilot challenge at Pan-Atlantic College (PAU) in Lagos, Nigeria, goals to switch polluting diesel turbines with next-generation thermal vitality storage powered by photo voltaic.
Launched by UK-based clear tech developer Aed Power, the initiative is a part of the ZE-Gen worldwide innovation programme, supported by Innovate UK, and is one in all six demonstrator initiatives targeted on displacing fossil gas use in crucial sectors akin to training, healthcare, and manufacturing throughout weak-grid areas.
The pilot combines rooftop photo voltaic panels with Aed Power’s proprietary modular thermal battery, which shops renewable electrical energy as high-temperature warmth utilizing energy-dense composite bricks. The system delivers dispatchable electrical energy or industrial-grade warmth for as much as 24 hours, with out counting on lithium batteries, combustion, or weak provide chains.
PAU’s principal campus presently consumes round 6,570 MWh of electrical energy yearly, a lot of it generated from diesel. That interprets to roughly 1.8 million litres of diesel per yr—practically three-quarters of an Olympic swimming pool in fossil gas use. Aed Power’s resolution is predicted to drastically reduce emissions whereas proving that clear baseload energy is viable even in areas with unreliable grids.
The challenge is “a primary step towards proving that inexpensive, clear baseload vitality could be delivered reliably—even in areas nonetheless closely depending on fossil gas turbines,” mentioned Rayan Kassis, CEO of Aed Power. “It strikes our expertise out of the lab and into the sector, exhibiting what’s attainable when innovation is paired with native partnerships and real-world demand.”
The system’s silent operation is a major improve for establishments beforehand reliant on noisy diesel turbines. “Because the very first deployment of this type in Nigeria, and West Africa, we’re assured that quickly we will say, ‘we did it!’” mentioned Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of PAU. “This positions us firmly with the continent and the remainder of the world within the pursuit of a sustainable future.”
Backed by ZE-Gen companions Innovate UK, Carbon Belief, and others, the demonstrator can be mentioned to be driving financial impression, creating jobs in each the UK and Nigeria. Aed Power has added three new UK positions, with plans to develop to 150 world roles by 2030, and expects to generate 10–15 native jobs throughout set up and commissioning in Nigeria.
The challenge was developed in partnership with PAU and native integrator FaithLink. It appears a marker of progress for Aed Power because it shifts from improvement to business readiness.
The group mentioned it’s partaking with stakeholders throughout Europe, North America, the Center East, and Sub-Saharan Africa to scale its resolution. With world demand for vitality storage and microgrid options estimated at £68 billion, the challenge spotlights the UK’s function in net-zero innovation and its potential contribution to providing scalable, export-ready options for crucial vitality challenges worldwide.
Lily Beadle, ZE-Gen lead on the Carbon Belief mentioned: “Collaboration, partnerships and localisation are on the coronary heart of ZE-Gen and we’re trying ahead to supporting these thrilling Demonstrator initiatives come to life in communities.”
