THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
Vision
The Energy Institute's vision is to foster collaboration amongst energy researchers and groups, by building a network of expertise, to shape the future course of Energy development in Southern Africa. The focus of our vision is on interdisciplinary world-class research and advancing research developments in Energy .
Mission
The Energy institute mission is to promote technologies for efficiency and sustainability and integrate them into smart applications in South Africa, to support the introduction of sustainable energy solutions and energy access into the urban and rural areas, to create awareness and be in the forefront of new techniques, processes and developments in Energy Technology.
Focus
The focus area and relevant niche areas within the Energy Institute is based on the 2030 SDG’s adopted by CPUT and the Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships (RTIP) Blueprint. The focus area: Smart Energy is promoted within the Energy Institute via its niche areas. Megatrends like urbanization, globalization and digitalization are stimulating change in our world, and the Energy sector which must be driven toward a more sustainable future. A key aim of our research is to enhance the prosperity and quality of life for all people by championing the cause of Energy access.
By our research we strive to enhance the energy value chain, from power generation and distribution, energy usage in buildings, industry and mobility, to products, solutions and services sector. Our energy research have high and medium impact on numerous SDGs including ones most affected by the pandemic, namely : SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 –Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production as well as SDG 13 – Climate Action.
The Focus Area Leader for Smart Energy, Prof MTE Kahn, is the Director of the Energy Institute, and the Research Chair :Energy
The Energy Institute links a number or different researchers and research centres, such as the
• CDPES Centre for Distributed Power and Electronic Systems
• CRPS Centre for Research in Power Systems
• CMT Centre for Mechanics and Technology-to rename and relaunch as C-DIRET (Development and Innovation in Renewable Energy Technologies