Minesto joins Sony and MIT at United Nations’ workshop on island nation challenges

Ocean energy solutions for off-grid environments was one of the topics discussed when Minesto, by invitation from The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, participated in a workshop held during a hackathon focusing on how to build sustainable and resilient infrastructure for island communities.

”We engaged in this initiative to help solve the challenges for islands that are subjected to major trials due to climate change”, said Dr Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto. “One aspect of this is enabling secure and clean energy supply. Replacing diesel generation with renewables in areas where tourism is the main industry and land is a scarce resource makes ocean energy an important alternative. To do it cost effectively, Minesto’s technology is one of the few solutions available.”

The UNOPS-arranged hackathon named Dadlihack 2.0 with the theme Infrastructure and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change took place in Antigua on 7–13 February and consisted of various workshops and events all aimed at solutions for building sustainable and resilient island communities. Invited by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Minesto contributed to the discussions with the company’s expertise in ocean energy electricity generation and off-grid applications. The journey of Minesto’s Deep Green technology from idea to product was also used as a case story for inspiration.

Minesto’s CEO Dr Martin Edlund delivered a keynote speech alongside representatives from MIT and Sony on the opening day of the hackathon. Minesto also participated in national TV news the same morning.

Supporting national and regional technology innovation

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System, international financial institutions, governments and other partners around the world. In 2017, UNOPS delivered around $1.8 billion in peace and security, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

In January, UNOPS opened its first science and innovation centre in Antigua and Barbuda, to support national and regional innovation in science and technology. The second centre will be opened in Lund, Sweden, home to Minesto’s main owner BGA Invest.

The innovation centres are part of UNOPS’ strategy to reach the global development goals within Agenda 2030, “to help nurture better solutions for people in need across the world”, as UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo said when the news of the centre in Lund was published in November.