In a bold step toward transforming South Africa’s electricity future, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has partnered with Hong Kong-based tech company Youtility to deploy AI-powered renewable energy systems across its campuses.
The initiative was launched at the university’s Westville campus as part of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Programme.
The project, backed by Youtility’s AI operating system called Wizdom, aims to convert each of UKZN’s five campuses into resilient energy microgrids capable of operating independently during national grid failures.
With over 2,000 solar panels and battery units already integrated, the system uses real-time monitoring and intelligent energy distribution to smooth out demand spikes, enhance resilience, and cut operational costs.
AI, blockchain, and the future of energy in higher education
Youtility’s AI technology plays a central role in this energy transformation. The Wizdom system analyses power consumption patterns and manages the flow of electricity using predictive algorithms. By learning when demand is highest, typically mornings and evenings, it can optimise solar storage deployment and reduce strain on the national grid.
The system also uses blockchain-based billing to ensure transparency and efficiency. This allows students and faculty to view their real-time energy usage and pay only for their consumption. It addresses electricity theft and helps restore fairness in billing.
Wayne Mostert, Director at Youtility, described the partnership as ‘the Netflix moment for energy,’ comparing it to how digital platforms disrupted traditional industries. “We’re using data and decentralisation to reimagine utilities,” he said.
Research, resilience, and student innovation
UKZN envisions more than just energy savings. According to Professor Leigh Jarvis, Acting Director of the Eskom Power Engineering Programme, the collaboration doubles as an academic and innovation incubator.
“The technology enables real-time monitoring of people’s power usage, and there’s an AI overlay that identifies consumption patterns, for instance, the morning and evening peaks when people wake up, cook or shower,” he said.
The partnership aligns with UKZN’s ambition to become South Africa’s first predominantly renewable university. It also has broader implications: Eskom Distribution has shown interest in the model, which could help shape national energy policies.
Professor Anil Chuturgoon, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, emphasised that this was a “defining moment” for UKZN and the country. “This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa,” he said.
The phased rollout will extend across Howard, Edgewood, Medical School, and Pietermaritzburg campuses, positioning UKZN as a leader in decentralised energy. With AI and blockchain at its core, the initiative is a promising model for towns, cities, and universities nationwide.