Energy efficiency is one of the most promising drivers towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Energy data equips us with information and insights for us to make informed decisions about how appliances and equipment can be optimised. Lilian Motongori

We’re joined by Lilian Motongori on the Africa Water and Energy Podcast to dive into the topic of how energy efficiency is being transformed by data. Some of the highlights touched on:

* What makes data important today* The link between data and energy efficiency* How local companies can use data and technology to impact energy efficiency* A few of the key challenges and solutions around data and energy efficiency

What makes data important today?

Technology now enables data streaming from electronics of both small and large scale. Energy, on the other hand, is around us, whether your cooking pot, the lights or even your car. With smarter devices, data generation, collection and analysis is accelerating at a fast pace. 

The link between data and energy efficiency

In the energy efficiency sector, we can use tools to analyse data and find potential areas of losses. These losses can be interpreted into monetary forms, have their impact mapped out  and communicated to the people in charge.

How can local companies use data and technology to impact energy efficiency

A few key steps are:

* Adopt the use of smart meters and sensors* Frequently carry out energy audits* Implement recommendations from energy audits

Challenges

⚠️ Literacy on energy management is still low

End consumers of energy don’t receive enough awareness of how to collect data and interpret it. 

⚠️ Rate of policy adoption in industry is not sufficient

For instance, the stalled Solar Water Heating Regulations have slowed down the transition to renewable energy. 

⚠️ Quality of data is still questionable

Manual recording of energy data is slow and prone to human error

Possible Solutions

✔️ New Energy Act 2019

The New Energy Act 2019 is now paving way for more and improved regulations that will stimulate the growth of the energy industry in Kenya

✔️ Increasing availability of smart meters and sensors

The cost of metering technologies (e.g electricity, water, fuel)  is now affordable enough to be widely adopted locally. 

✔️ Awareness activities

Different professional associations and organisations like the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Green Building Society and Association of Energy Professionals in Eastern Africa are organising events throughout the year on various subjects under the energy and data umbrella

Contact

LinkedInLilian MotongoriWebsiteWomen in Energy Africa