The pitch marathon was held as part of the EU Chapter Conference of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program entitled "Mini-grid models and optimization methods for sustainability, energy services and zero-emission mobility".
On March 22, 2021, the pitch marathon of the GCSP, Grand Challenges Scholars Program (EU Chapter Conference) entitled “Mini-grid models and optimization methods for sustainability, energy services and zero-emission mobility” was held, coordinated by prof. Andrea Micangeli of the “Sapienza” University of Rome.
The Grand Challenges Scholars Program, promoted by the NAE, National Academy of Engineering, since 2008 supports an ambitious vision of what engineering must offer all human beings on our planet in the twenty-first century. In a nutshell, the vision it promotes is:
“The continuation of life on our planet, making our world more sustainable, safer, healthier and happier.”
The program is based on 14 Goals that the NAE considers essential for this vision to become a reality within the twenty-first century.
The conference on March 22 was a huge success: 582 participants on Zoom, 6311 views on Linkedin, 154 Research Departments involved, 85 forthcoming speeches, 49 countries represented (EU, Africa, South Asia, America), 12 hours of scientific interventions on models, algorithms and technologies of the sector.
The quality was recognized by the professors of 154 Bodies including Research Centers, Italian and US Universities, as well as by prof. Livio De Santoli (President of the FREE Coordination, Renewable Sources and Energy Efficiency and Vice Rector for Energy Policies of Sapienza University of Rome), by prof. Maurizio Tira (Rector of the University of Brescia), by the 15 teachers of Energy Systems AIMSEA, the Italian Association of Fluid Machines and Systems for Energy and the Environment, by 9 US faculty deans, by sen. Girotto and by the Polytechnic of Turin which supports him for the new Energy Communities, as well as by various internationally renowned managers, engineers, researchers and doctoral students from 49 countries.
Federico Santi’s speech, entitled “Engineering competencies for Sustainability and Intercultural promotion” (Federico Santi, Maria Carmen Falvo), illustrated the potential of ISWS (Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme), a revolutionary technology for low-cost electrification of rural areas, the connection of Micro-grids and the promotion of renewable energy sources in developing countries: it is a precious legacy of prof. Francesco Iliceto of the “Sapienza” University of Rome, defined by prof. Kyaruzi, president of Tanesco (Tanzania Electric Supply Company Ltd), “a giant in power system studies”.
This technology, developed through numerous degree theses (2019-2020) funded with scholarships from the “Francesco Iliceto” Association and the “Sapienza” University of Rome, will soon see the light in Tanzania through the creation of the Chalinze-Hale-Tanga Demo Project, currently in the planning and funding phase, whose construction is scheduled for 2022. The subsequent monitoring phase will demonstrate the effective reduction of construction and management costs compared to traditional electrification techniques, so as to extend the model for the entire nation of Tanzania.
Source: Studio Santi
