Promoting access to clean and affordable energy in urban informal settlements

Stage: Round 7

Ion Ventures and Zonke Energy are collaborating to create a microgrid electrification system for a low-income urban community in South Africa without grid access. This initiative aligns with the energy trilemma, addressing cost, emissions, and security of supply and energy access. With approximately one million households in South African urban informal settlements lacking grid-connected electricity, Zonke, backed by Ion, aims to enhance, and operate a community electrification system. Building on an early prototype, the project emphasizes empowering local partners and communities while facilitating knowledge dissemination within the township and local academic centres.