Smart garbage collection system

Smart Recycling uses sensors in recycling containers to read how full they are and uses AI to predict when they need to be emptied, which is then compiled for users in an app. Based on settings such as how far in the future one wants to plan and what level the containers should be emptied at, the application maps the relevant places of pick-up. The solution is meant to reduce environmental and economic cost while also providing users with a way of planning their garbage collection routes as simple as possible.

Sweden

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Peer-to-peer solar electricity trading platform

SOLshare claims to have developed the world’s first peer-to-peer solar electricity trading platform that leverages existing solar home systems (SHS) in an off-grid context to create a bottom-up smart grid. SOLshare’s SOLbox is a DC bi-directional power meter, solar charge controller and end-user device that functions as an individual node of the electricity trading network. SOLbox allows the trading network to grow dynamically from the ‘bottom-up’ as more users connect over time. The innovation integrates mobile money payment, data analytics and grid management services. As the network related to the innovation grows it can also connect off-grid locations internationally

India

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Crowdfunding of solar projects in emerging markets

Ecoligo provides a fully financed solar-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for businesses in emerging markets. By providing a digital platform for financing and delivering solar projects, ecoligo aims to remove the barriers that prevent such projects from being realised. Their aspiration is that supplying businesses with affordable electricity will enable them to grow and boost the local economy. The innovation includes raising the necessary finance for the project, the construction and insurance of the solar system, scheduled maintenance, operation and management.

Germany

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Effective industrial drying of biomass

Swedish Exergy develops solutions for sustainability and optimization of energy usage in industry sectors such as energy, waste and paper, mainly in the areas of drying and bulk feeding solutions. One of the solutions is a steam dryer for biomass that recovers 80% or more of the input energy in a closed-loop system which stops any emissions from entering the atmosphere. According to the company it is also easy to maintain and to integrate with other processes for energy optimization.

Sweden

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Crowd-funded investing for energy access in Africa

Lendahand and Ethex’s Energise Africa is an online platform which enables everyday people to use their money to accelerate the implementation of UN SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy for all) and tackle climate change, whilst also targeting a financial return. People can invest small or large amounts in solar businesses that install solar systems in homes across Africa, enabling low-income families to access solar energy via monthly payment plans.

United Kingdom

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Level-2 AC universal EV charging stations

DrivAmp provides solutions for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure to enable the transition to global electric mobility through products and software services. DrivAmp has developed a range of level-2 AC charging stations ranging in capacity from 3.3 kW to 43 kW power outputs which they claim are capable of charging all types of electric vehicles. This includes a protocol to ensure maximum safety of users and at the same time the ability to cater to most vehicles in the Indian electric vehicle market. Furthermore, the goal is to help enterprises to set up a network of electric vehicle charging stations with a focus on safety, security and energy access.

India

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Energy efficient portable cold chain solution

The innovation is a cooling box with a fast-charging eutectic thermal battery. According to the company, they have reduced the common 14-15 hour charging time to 4.5 hours. This helps increase viability of the battery as well a serving as a reduction of operational costs. By combining this battery with stand-alone cooling boxes, the company allows for stacking of individual boxes, thus reducing the need for refrigerated trucks. The company states that the cooling solution can be used on most vehicles including two-wheelers.

India

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Smart electricity meter data analysis

SustLabs uses automated metering and big-data analytics to ‘decode’ real-time electricity consumption data at residential level up to heavy appliance level by analysing smart meter data. This unlocks a wealth of information that electricity supply carries, generating insights for utilities, appliance manufacturers, market research companies, etc., which creates data driven revenue opportunities. SustLabs predicts this will transform compulsive electricity consumers to informed users.

India

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Perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells are developed by the University of Warsaw and represent a new class of photovoltaic devices. Their efficiency has reached 24 percent within 8 years of development, which is comparable with silicon solar panels that hav been developed for decades. Estimates say that this generation of solar cells will be significantly cheaper than panels currently available on the market. This is due to low temperature fabrication processing, simple manufacturing and cheap components. Furthermore, there is a possibility to make flexible devices which opens a brand-new application of solar panels.

Poland

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Eliminating waste acid from stainless steel industry

SUSTEC is focusing on green technologies to reduce the environmental impact of existing technologies. SUSTEC has developed a process they call 'REGMAX' to overcome existing problems with mixed acid pickling and its regeneration. According to SUSTEC, the REGMAX process enables total recovery of all waste acids components: The process is applicable for all metal and acid concentrations and gives freedom of choosing the optimum pickling conditions for best pickling performance. The closed material loop minimizes the operational costs and environmental impact of pickling.

Austria

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