Page 31 - Energize June 2022

NEWS

Gauteng youth help solve technology

challenges of the global energy transition

igh schoolers from Gauteng have taken on the challenge to
learn, innovate and lead society’s transition to a net-zero
Hfuture, as participants in the global energy decarbonisation
company Siemens Energy’s recent Just Energy Transition (JET)
Hackathon.
Thabo Molekoa, Managing Director of Siemens Energy in South
Africa, welcomed 28 top students from seven high schools to the
challenge. He called the youth’s contribution to the development
of “sustainable, affordable and reliable” green energy technologies
“critical”, not only for the future of the planet but also for the
stability of the global economy.

The importance of young people’s contribution to the global
energy transition Winners - Woodhill College
“It is incredibly important that we involve creative young people
with fresh ideas and problem-solving mindsets in our critical skill levels they built into their renewable energy plan, and the
mission to help save the planet through innovative technologies,” combination of technologies they used including solar, wind,
said Molekoa. biomass, and specifically biogas waste, to produce silicone.
“The energy transition is quickly gaining speed, with world Their plan also carefully considered the costs of their proposed
economies rushing to create that foundation needed to shift their technologies.
energy systems. Such a shift requires innovation, knowledge and Prizes included Siemens Energy bursaries for the winning team
continuous revolution in training and education. Our young people and all participants received a certificate of participation.
must be made part of the process as early as possible. Initiatives Molekoa said Siemens Energy South Africa hosted events
like this one provide this next generation of energy professionals such as these to inspire and encourage young people to use
with valuable opportunities to learn and lead in the energy new technologies and collaborate on the development of green
transition.” technologies. Events like these are as important to the just energy
transition as reskilling and training existing energy industry
Brilliant young minds shine at the Siemens Energy Just workers. The green economy could provide new and skilled jobs,
Energy Transition Hackathon social justice and poverty eradication. The renewable energy
The hackathon was joined by Grades 11 and 12 learners from Leap industry needs more young people with an interest in science and
Science and Maths Schools in Diepsloot and Alexandra, St Barnabas engineering to join its ranks, he said.
School of Specialisation in Randburg, Parktown High School for “South Africa has enormous potential, as well as a great
Girls in Parkview, John Orr Technical High School in Milpark, Curro responsibility - with Africa being disproportionately affected by
Academy, Parkdene High School in Boksburg, Midstream College in climate change - to become a global force for positive change in
Midrand and Woodhill College in Pretoria. The event took place in the global climate crisis. The journey of transition requires that we
Midrand on 26 and 27 May 2022. ensure we use the resources we already have at our disposal to
Contestants in the Just Energy Transition Hackathon were set meet the world’s energy demands. Without energy, people can’t
the task of solving a data centre energy challenge puzzle. Each live safe and healthy lives, and economies can’t move forward. And
team had to find innovative ways to power up as many servers as without clean energy, the planet won’t survive. There is nothing
possible in a virtual data centre while keeping CO 2 emissions and less than everything at stake here.”
costs down, whilst maintaining adequate energy generation and “I have been overwhelmingly impressed by the skill, talent and
employment levels. Their virtual data centres could be powered up ingenuity of these bright young minds. I am extremely optimistic
by a combination of renewables, hydrogen and gas energy. and confident for the future knowing that these students will soon
Woodhill College won the challenge with their highly efficient be joining the ranks of companies like ours to tackle the energy
innovation, followed closely by Parktown High School for Girls, and challenges of the future,” Molekoa said.
Leap Science and Maths School in third place.
Molekoa said Woodhill College impressed the judges with Contact Kalai Pillay, Phone 082 557-0951,
its phased approach away from coal, the clever mix of jobs and kalai.pillay@siemens-energy.com, www.siemens-energy.com

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