Competition specifications

CATEGORIES

Renewable energy has application in various fields and disciplines. To give you a broad range of categories to explore, we have identified five main categories that your renewable energy solution can be classified as. These categories are guided by the key Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the synergies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development such as water, food security, health, and education. You will need to use their imagination and creativity to address innovation opportunities with renewable energy. The categories include:

Food

Home cooking solutions & preservation

SDG12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

In South Africa there are still communities that lack access to electricity and this has a major impact on how households' ability to prepare and preserve food. They often resort to sources like paraffin or fire for cooking which both have safety and health risks. The country is also experiencing an energy crisis which means more frequent load shedding. All these factors are affecting households' ability to store food effectively and prepare food for their families.

Along with this, food waste, insecurity and shortages are additional problems affecting the quality of life for South Africans and are some of the main causes for malnutrition, hunger and poverty.

Develop a renewable energy solution that looks at either home agriculture, home cooking, food preservation or food waste management.

Safety & crime prevention

SDG16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Crime is one of the biggest challenges faced by society, making safety and security a critical issue for all citizens. South Africa has been known for exceptionally high rates of crime, especially with the rise of those crimes of an aggressive and violent nature. In many areas police resources are limited which makes certain communities vulnerable targets to criminal activity. However, renewable energy allows us to imagine a future where communities are made safer by addressing poor service delivery and the provision and maintenance of public goods, services and facilities

Develop a renewable energy idea that demonstrates how communities can be made safer by addressing service delivery and the provision and maintenance of public goods, services and facilities.

Health & wellness

SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

The current state of the health system in South Africa is one described by the lack of quality and access to health care - making it very difficult to treat the numerous diseases, sicknesses, mental illnesses, and physical injuries experienced by people. The poor socio-economic climate also means that people in rural areas suffer more from viruses from the environment such as malaria and cholera, in addition to the countless injuries and casualties from unexpected events such as floods and heatwaves. Many communities depend on local clinics, pharmacies and hospitals for their health needs and emergencies.

Develop a renewable energy solution that can improve healthcare quality and access or the provision of healthcare services and goods in your community.

Transport

Sustainable transport & mobility

SDG11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

A transport system is important for any economy, because it allows for the movement of goods and people, and the provision of jobs. A vastly improved and well functioning public transport system will be critical for South Africa as the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to provide greater access for the poorest communities. However, many people still do not have access to a working railway and road infrastructure, and live in areas where there is no reliable transport. Sustainable transport focuses on the impact of the transport industry on the environment, as this relates to pollution released into the atmosphere and fuels needed to power vehicle engines. In the context of renewable energy, sustainable transport speaks to the decrease in reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources.

Develop a renewable energy solution that demonstrates how sustainable transport can decrease reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources whilst improving mobility and access for commuters in your community.

Home

Green building & home solutions

SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Think of any application in your home - whether it is boiling a pot of water, running your bath water, charging your phone, using your fan or heater, or lighting your lamp - most home appliances require some form of energy. As load shedding and water shortages are becoming a part of reality, the severity of the energy and climate crisis is becoming more apparent. Households have to find alternative ways of living with the surge in power cuts and water shortages happening. As most homes are powered by electricity, there is a growing need to find alternative energy solutions to sustain livelihoods and maintenance of homes.

Develop a renewable energy solution that demonstrates how home appliances and devices can be powered.

METHODS:

In order encourage inclusive participation, we merge artistic and technical abilities by having various methods of entry available to participants. These methods of entry include:

Graphic novel or comic

This method is wide open to your creativity.

Does your novel have a hero?

What is your hero’s super power? Perhaps it's solar energy, or wind power?

Is there a villain? Someone who uses fossil fuels to threaten the health of the planet?

Is the planet under threat and if so, how can it be saved?

Tell us your epic tale of climate change, the destruction of the planet and how your renewable energy solution might save the day!

To help you, what are the characteristics of a graphic novel?

A clear beginning, middle, and end
A main narrative or story
Character development and personal journeys
A key message or lesson
Precise, carefully considered dialogue and narration.

Technical model

Imagine you are pitching your idea to an investor and you need to demonstrate how your idea will work.

In this case, practicality is the best way to show your idea, and this method is designed for you.

The technical model speaks to showing the practicality of how your renewable energy solution will function. Your technical model should be in a physical form and explain the science behind and the technicalities of how your project will work in the real world. You are unrestricted when it comes to your size dimensions, so run wild with your ideas. While it would be advantageous to have a working prototype, what we are looking for is how you convey thought, attention to detail, nuance and intricacy behind your idea.

Visual art or poster

This method is all about expression, creativity, freedom, and communicating a message. Art inspires, motivates and can make people think, encouraging problem solving.

Do you think you can bring a story to life or send an important message through visual arts or a poster?

If the answer is yes, then this is the perfect way for you to tap into your imagination and showcase your artistic abilities with the focus on a very relevant topic, renewable energy.

What we would like to see from you is an illustration or creation of an artwork or poster, expressing your desire for positive change through abstract visuals. In the form of an art piece, express your interpretation on how your renewable energy solution will change or impact your community.