PowerShift - Rethinking Design for Energy Access 2016
Summary
On Feb. 25, 2016, a panel of speakers and researchers got together at the University of Waterloo for PowerShift: Rethinking Design for Energy Access, where students were encouraged to use innovation to address global problems — specifically, how to create a future where energy is available to all.
The interactive discussion and design session, hosted by AE4H (Affordable Energy For Humanity) and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE), connected engineers to the value of development work, and addressed the need to develop ultra-efficient and ultra-affordable technologies to combat energy poverty in a sustainable way.
The event was hosted on campus for students with a focus on humanitarian engineering, international development and social innovation to shape solutions for energy access in remote and energy-impoverished communities.
Abstract
Today there are over a billion people without access to electricity. No lights or phone chargers, dark operating rooms and schools, and no opportunity to better their livelihood through the transformative power of reliable electricity. This event allowed students an opportunity to use their design and engineering skills to make a difference. It helped develop the ultra-efficient and ultra-affordable technologies that will improve future lives.
It was an interactive discussion with experts about the exciting opportunities available in this emerging field.
Topics included:
- Should we design technologies for individual or community ownership?
- Should we design for 'aid' or 'trade'?
- Is it more important for technologies to be affordable or durable?
Speakers:
Jatin Nathwani
Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy
Iana Aranda
Director of Programs, Engineering for Change
Steve Katsaros
Founder & CEO, Nokero Solar
This event was a part of 'Power Shift Waterloo Region' - A series of activities that led to a major international summit on energy access in Waterloo in April 2016.