Aedc gsbi 2010
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The Alternative Energy Development Corporation provides innovative fuel-cell technology to empower non-grid communities in South Africa and neighboring countries. Their low-cost zinc air fuel cells generate renewable energy 24/7 at a lower monthly cost than candles or paraffin, improving quality of life. Over 4,600 community members now benefit from access to clean energy through this solution.
Aedc gsbi 2010
- 1. EMPOWERING NON-GRID COMM UNITIES THR OUGH I N N O VAT I V E F U E L - C E L L T E C H N O L O G Y Alternative Energy Development Corporation - GSBI™ Class of 2010 Headquarters: Randburg, South Problem Statement: Africa Non-grid communities in South Africa and neighboring countries Established: 2000 have limited options for lighting and electrification. Paraffin and candles are expensive, unsafe, and unhealthy. Home batteries must Impact Areas: Lesotho, Namibia, be taken into town to be charged every three days. Further, these Zambia, South Africa communities typically have 80% unemployment rates, leaving little Type: For-Profit disposable income for investment in better solutions. Sectors: Clean Tech & Energy, Eco- nomic Development Staff Size: 11 and 3-6 Volunteers Annual Budget: $534,000 Major Funders: Investors and mines (corporate social investment projects) Awards: Second Place Top 100 technology company in South Africa, Minister award as top 100 technol- ogy company in S.A., Globe Energy Award, Tech Awards laureate, Africa Award for best rural electrification solution Solution: Theory of Change: Our low-cost zinc air fuel cells provide green energy 24/7 to Replacing candles and paraffin non-grid communities at a lower monthly operating cost than with our zinc air fuel cells results in using candles or paraffin, thus providing improved quality of life, continuously available green, renew- health, education, and a means to sustainable local job creation. able energy, a better quality of life, By keeping upfront costs low and working with community lead- education, health, safety and new ers to get a 90% adoption rate, we create a monthly annuity sustainable job opportunities for off- income with a high profit margin. Our technology also reduces grid communities. carbon emissions and improves the environment by generating no waste. “At an operating cost lower than using candles, AEDC brings electricity to non-grid commu- nities and helps to eradicate poverty.” - Rolf Papsdorf, CEO | www.aedc.co.za | info@aedc.co.za | +2 711 708 7673 |
- 2. EMPOWERING NON-GRID COMM UNITIES THR OUGH I N N O VAT I V E F U E L - C E L L T E C H N O L O G Y Milestones Achieved: Impact to Date: 2002: First significant funding from • 4600 community members in 4 countries are benefitting shareholders now from our fuel cell energy 2006: Pilot project demonstrating reliability of developed technology Annual Budget vs. Outcomes: 2008: First commercial installation into a village of some 300 community members 2009: Projects in 2 villages, reached positive cash flow Growth Plan: • Implement rent to own system • Manufacture and sell 50,000 fuel cell sets • Set up franchise models in S.A. Cost per Successful Outcome: and joint ventures in other coun- $350 tries • Achieve profit margin of over 35% Investment Required: $1 million, equity and/or convertible debenture. ($100,000 in 2010 and $900,000 in 2011). “Since having AEDC’s power, I do not use candles and have no more coughing. I use now an electric sew- ing machine and create a disposable income for my family.” – Olive, a customer in Limpopo, South Africa This profile was developed during the 2010 Global Social Benefit Incubator™, the signature program of Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology and Society. Updated 8/26/2010. www.scu.edu/sts/gsbi | www.aedc.co.za | info@aedc.co.za | +2 711 708 7673 |