The PowerPath project consortium are working to bring real change to people living in rural Africa through the development and delivery of solar technologies and a smart energy management system to provide power to communities.
Allowing for local entrepreneurship, the systems are affordable, reliable and low-carbon. However, in order to have the greatest impact they need to be deployed quickly and effectively. This doesn’t just mean the required software and hardware, but also the relevant financial and business model, to enhance the economic, social and environmental impact.
As a result, the project consists of 4 work packages:
- Project management
- Nanogrid interconnection module development and deployment
- Photovoltaic glass panel coating development
- Business and social model upgrade
In order to succeed, the project includes a number of checks undertaken by project lead, Technovative Solutions (TVS), who will run a risk register covering technical, managerial and commercial risks, as well as conducting quarterly progress reviews against deliverables and KPIs.
More specifically, TVS will be managing Innovation Projects and including numerous benefits of their method of project management such as regular team meeting scheduled early in the project timeline to build a strong partnership between project partners. There are also planned regular meetings to enable risks to be spotted early on and implement mitigation action. In addition, TVS are coordinating bi-weekly meetings to keep the project partners informed and reporting on progress to Innovate UK.
While there is a necessary and important focus on the technologies, it is important to remember all of those working behind the scenes to make sure everything is delivered on time and according to plan.