The ENERGISE Center is pleased to announce a new partnership with Peco Power, which joins the ENERGISE network as a Partner of Practice.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing a just energy transition in South Africa by strengthening connections between academic research, higher education, and industry practice. As a Partner of Practice, Peco Power will contribute valuable expertise and real-world perspectives to ENERGISE activities across research, teaching, and living labs.

Peco Power combines research-driven innovation with real-world implementation to address energy access challenges in South Africa. Emerging from research at Wits University, the company develops and deploys modular solar-powered PowerBrick™ solutions that enable households, entrepreneurs, and communities to gain access to affordable and reliable electricity. By linking energy access with local economic empowerment and community participation, Peco Power's work closely aligns with ENERGISE's commitment to supporting a just and inclusive energy transition.

The company's community-centred approach has already demonstrated tangible impact. Through PowerBrick™ deployments, households and small businesses have gained access to sustainable energy solutions that support economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen local resilience. The modular nature of the technology allows users to scale their energy access according to their needs, offering a practical pathway towards long-term energy independence.

By bringing together researchers, students, and practitioners, the partnership aims to create opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration. The cooperation will support the exploration of real-world energy challenges and innovative solutions while fostering knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

Partnerships with practice-oriented organisations are essential for connecting research and education with practical experience and societal needs. Through this collaboration, ENERGISE and Peco Power seek to strengthen the relevance and impact of their respective activities while contributing to sustainable and equitable energy solutions in South Africa.

We are delighted to welcome Peco Power to the ENERGISE community and look forward to many fruitful collaborations in research, education, innovation, and community engagement in the years ahead.