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Power-Blox is an award-winning Swiss company who produces swarm intelligence solutions for the industry. Founded in July 2015, it developed a technology which, supported by an algorithm, allows to easily combine different energy sources and battery systems, without the need for configuration and centralized control, enabling an automated and decentralised power regulation and storage within the grid (“the internet of energy”). The system is self-learning, autonomous and self-regulating. The nearly endless scalability of the system represents a breakthrough in energy technology.
Vanuatu has not yet found a comprehensive electrification solution for the approximately 60 inhabited islands, despite many efforts and support from various donors. Despite the implementation of some mini-grid projects, they have been so expensive that no scalable business model could be found. The remaining households had to rely on pico-solar systems, if there was any electricity at all. The country has good potential for productive uses in various areas – e.g., fishing or tourism –, which the solutions implemented so far have not been able to power.
In addition, Vanuatu is repeatedly hit by terrible storms that have destroyed part of the country’s infrastructure. This situation is particularly problematic for remote islands without fast access to specialised professionals. It also makes access to investments more difficult, as investors fear total infrastructure failure as severe storms increase due to climate change.
The existing difficulties were amplified by the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic that further isolated the island.
Power-Blox coordinated with UNDP to provide islanders with access to sustainable, affordable and ‘disaster-proof’ solar-based electricity that was reliable to supply energy needs for households and productive uses such as the health care facility. Furthermore, it supplies electricity to small businesses, schools and churches.
Power-Blox’s nano-grid approach met increasing energy needs thanks to its modular scalability and allows the locals to operate and maintain the solar battery cubes independently to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system. Electricity is sold to the connected households by local sales agents. Similar to prepaid mobile tariffs, the local households can choose among four prepaid electricity packages. After the purchase of a package, the local sales agent charges the customer’s credit by activating the package on the customer’s smart meter.
EUR 200,000