An open-innovation program for electric utilities, via which a cohort of mature power-sector startups co-develop business-cases for scalable technological innovations, with the aim of implementing pilot-projects as a precursor to larger deployment.
Problem
Statement
What is the Problem?
What STELCO is looking for?
Solutions could include
Due to Maldives’ being a group of islands, it faces a unique set of challenges in generating and supplying electricity. Maldives is heavily reliant on the import of fossil fuels (mainly diesel) as an energy source. However, to reduce their reliance on diesel imports, the country has made a step towards energy independence by widespread renewable energy and smart meter installations planned (to achieve 70% power capacity share from renewable energy sources by 2030). Furthermore, on the supply side, STELCO has faced frequent interruptions in the power link between Male' and neighboring islands like Huhlumale'. The grid would require innovative solutions to manage the grid while going through the infrastructure transition.
Grid management solutions to improve overall stability and synchronization between grid assets (both generation and distribution) for better energy data collection, analytics, risk assessment, asset monitoring, resource (fuel) management, and demand forecasting to improve STELCO’s operational and technical efficiency to eventually transition to a decarbonized smart grid.
Data - Collection and Analytics
Data - Demand forecasting solutions
Data - Meter data management systems
Network protection/cyber security
Smart meter deployment
Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solutions
Storage - Hydrogen
Storage - Fuel Cells
Storage - Battery
Generation - Dual Use Diesel Generators
Asset Health and Monitoring
Planning infrastructure development/upgrades
Problem
Statement
Grid management solutions to improve overall stability and synchronization between grid assets (both generation and distribution) for better energy data collection, analytics, risk assessment, asset monitoring, resource (fuel) management, and demand forecasting to improve STELCO’s operational and technical efficiency to eventually transition to a decarbonized smart grid.
Why Should You
Apply?
1
Post program pilot
The winning startup will have the opportunity to conduct a fully funded pilot with the utility partner
Gain Domain Experience
Understand the power sector, and how to work with the Maldives’ electric utilities, by learning directly from industry experts via a structured training program (delivered via weekly webinars).
2
Networking
Opportunity to interact with a wide range of mature power sector startups and mentors. You will have regular access to our program partners with diverse expertise in the power sector.
3
Opportunity to Engage
Throughout the program, there will be opportunities to meet and engage with Maldives electric utility professionals and other power sector stakeholders.
4
Who Should
Apply?
The program is looking for mature power sector startups that are:
1
Deployment Ready
Your product or service has been fully developed and is ready to be launched, or is already in the market
Technologically Innovative
Your product or service is uniquely positioned to solve a challenge faced by utilities in the Maldives
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is a 100% State Owned Enterprise (SOE). The company started its operations in the year 1949 with the sole purpose of providing electricity in the Maldives. Currently, STELCO operates 35 powerhouses and 6 water and sewerage networks in the Greater Male Region and majority islands of Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal and Vaavu Atoll.
About
USAID
The ElectronVibe Maldives program is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), the flagship regional energy program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) India.
About
NEW ENERGY NEXUS
This program is powered by New Energy Nexus, the world’s leading ecosystem of funds and accelerators supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs, from emerging tech through to clean energy deployment and adoption.