Young bright high school pupils from Gauteng took part in a hackathon to help solve the challenges of the global green energy technology transition.
A group of 28 top pupils from seven high schools in Gauteng battled it out at the Siemens Energy Just Energy Transition (JET) Hackathon, held at the Premier Hotel in Midrand on May 26 and 27.
The hackathon was joined by Grade 11 and 12 pupils from Leap Science and Maths Schools in Diepsloot and Alexandra, St Barnabas School of Specialisation in Randburg, Parktown High School for Girls in Parkview, John Orr Technical High School in Milpark, Curro Academy Parkdene High School in Boksburg, Midstream College in Midrand and Woodhill College in Pretoria.
The teams, each made up of four pupils, were set the task of solving a data centre energy challenge puzzle.
Managing director of Siemens Energy, Thabo Molekoa, who welcomed the pupils to the challenge, said their contribution to the development of sustainable, affordable and reliable green energy technologies was critical, not only for the future of the planet, but also for the stability of the global economy.
“It is incredibly important that we involve creative young people with fresh ideas and problem-solving mindsets in our critical mission to help save the planet through innovative technologies,” said Molekoa.
Siemens Energy said the teams had to find innovative ways to power up as many servers as possible in a virtual data centre, while keeping carbon dioxide emissions and costs down, and maintaining adequate energy generation and employment levels. Their virtual data centres could be powered by a combination of renewables, hydrogen and gas energy.
“The energy transition is quickly gaining speed, with world economies rushing to create that foundation needed to shift their energy systems. Such a shift requires innovation, knowledge and continuous revolution in training and education. Our young people must be made part of the process as early as possible,” Molekoa added.
Woodhill College ended up taking the top prize, followed closely by Parktown High School for Girls, with Leap Science and Maths School in third place.
Molekoa said Woodhill College impressed the judges with their phased approach away from coal, the clever mix of jobs and skill levels they built into their renewable energy plan, and the combination of technologies they used including solar, wind, biomass, and specifically biogas waste to produce silicone. Their plan also carefully considered the costs of their proposed technologies.
The winning team walked away with Siemens Energy bursaries and all participants received a certificate of participation.
“I have been overwhelmingly impressed by the skill, talent, and ingenuity of these bright young minds. I am extremely optimistic and confident for the future knowing that these students will soon be joining the ranks of companies like ours to tackle the energy challenges of the future,” Molekoa said.
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