In a step towards redefining South Africa’s energy future, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has signed a pioneering Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Hong Kong-based tech company, Youtility. The partnership will introduce cutting-edge, AI-driven technology set to transform how electricity is managed and distributed, with payments handled through an intelligent, next-generation blockchain billing platform.
The parties gathered for the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement between UKZN and Youtility. [Photographer: Sethu Dlamini]
This JVA marks a key milestone for UKZN in its vision to become South Africa’s first predominantly renewable green university and is a significant step forward in developing a blueprint for future national energy distribution. Eskom Distribution, recognising the potential of this innovation, will participate in an observational and advisory capacity, positioning UKZN as a national test bed for this next-generation energy technology.
Speaking at the launch event held at UKZN’s Westville campus, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UKZN, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “defining moment” in addressing South Africa’s longstanding energy challenges, “This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa,” he said.
Acting Director of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Programme, Professor Leigh Jarvis said the partnership demonstrates visionary leadership, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to meaningful transformation. “At its core is the recognition that the future of electricity lies in ‘disruption networks’ and decentralised energy systems, microgrids underpinned by solar energy, storage and advanced operating systems. These are emerging as key pillars in building a resilient, flexible, and inclusive energy landscape.”
Youtility Director, Wayne Mostert spoke of Youtility’s next-generation cloud-based, sentient operating system, Wizdom. “More than a software suite, Wizdom is an evolving, AI-driven ‘utility brain’ with enhanced capabilities which include real-time decentralised decision-making and smart discharge of power into micro and macro grids,” he explained.
Drawing parallels with other tech revolutions, Mostert likened Youtility’s ambitions to the digital disruption of entertainment media. “Where Blockbuster failed to adapt, Netflix scaled using data, agility, and customer-centricity. Similarly, Youtility is set to revolutionise the utility sector through sentient, decentralised, and user-empowered infrastructure, creating a new global standard,” he said.
Professor Jarvis further highlighted the far-reaching benefits of this initiative. “The resolution of the data and real-time nature of the technology will offer insight into electricity use and enable unparalleled control of power flow in relation to solar, storage and grid,” he said.
The project will roll out in phases across UKZN’s five campuses: Westville, Howard, Edgewood, Medical School and Pietermaritzburg campuses, starting at Westville.
Students will also play a role in establishing this transformation, from assisting with hardware maintenance to contributing to research and optimisation projects.
“Through this JVA, we envision student-led spin-off companies and a direct link between academic learning and the industries shaping our energy future,” said Jarvis.
For more information visit: www.ukzn.ac.za
