Pioneers have already started driving the energy transformation in the Global South Figure 17 SOLShare Winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2022 in 'Energy' Connects homes with distributed generation to microgrids and uses AI to optimize peer-to-peer energy trading SOLBox, the company's core innovation, is a bi-directional energy meter that connects homes to the grid; it also links to an app and online platform that use advanced analytics to monitor generation and facilitate trading Headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh; has established over 50 microgrids that connect over 6.5K households Husk Power Systems Leveraging AI to support clean microgrids in the Global South Builds and operates mini-grids that supply clean, reliable electricity in remote and rural areas. AI supports grid layout and predictive maintenance, renewable energy forecasting, demand forecasting, and more. Currently has major operations in India, Nigeria, and Tanzania and is poised to expand further in the Global South. SunCulture Using IoT and advanced analytics to optimize solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers Develops and deploys distributed solar systems that connect to battery- powered water pumps, used for irrigation. IoT-enabled equipment collects data related to solar generation patterns and water usage, supported by analytics. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with products currently used in Ethiopia, Zambia, Togo, Cote D'Ivoire, and more. G42 in partnership with global and local tech players Collaborating with Microsoft and local innovators to build AI capacity in Kenya Joint investment with Microsoft to build comprehensive AI ecosystem in Kenya, totaling $1B. Plans to build state-of-the-art data center campus in Olkaria, Kenya, run entirely on geothermal energy. Partnering with local Kenya organizations to build local-language AI models, and E. Africa innovation hub and more. A digital investment between partners Microsoft and UAE-based G42 of in Kenya to build innovative AI-enhanced system 110 $1 billion Zola Energy Storage and Management Managing hybrid solar and energy storage systems with the help of AI Zola manages smart microgrids that combine solar and battery storage to provide stable power to remote areas. Leverages AI and advanced analytics to predict energy consumption and optimize battery capacity levels. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, with operations in Rwanda, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, and Nigeria. Partnerships will be essential to ensure AI is available in EMDCs. For instance, as part of an initiative with the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Microsoft and UAE-based G42 recently announced a $1 billion digital investment in Kenya. With the help of local partners, they plan to build a cutting-edge data center, create a digital innovation lab, and develop AI models in local languages (see Figure 17 for further examples).110 “ Access to AI and other advanced technologies that support cleaner energy and lower-carbon growth are essential to levelling the playing field and ensuring a just and equitable energy transition.” Proscovia Nabbanja CEO, Uganda National Oil Company Sources: IEA 66 Powering Possible 65