UKZN and Youtility Sign Groundbreaking Joint Venture to Transform SA’s Energy Landscape

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In a bold leap 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.

This game-changing 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.

This JVA marks a key milestone in UKZN’s vision to become South Africa’s first predominantly renewable-energy university, while also marking 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 and signing ceremony held at UKZN’s Westville campus, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon welcomed the initiative, calling it 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 Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute (EPPEI) Programme at UKZN, Professor Leigh Jarvis echoed this sentiment saying that the partnership embodies 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,” he said.

Youtility Director, Mr Wayne Mostert spoke of the genius of Youtility’s technology in its next-generation cloud-based, sentient operating system, Wizdom which is touted to be more than just 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 past 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 poised to revolutionise the utility sector through sentient, decentralised, and user-empowered infrastructure, creating a new global standard,” he said.

Jarvis further highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the pioneering initiative.

“The resolution of the data and real-time nature will open up insight into electricity use and enable unparalleled control to 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 - beginning at Westville.

Students will play a crucial 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.

Words: Sejal Desai

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini