Edinburgh Napier University

  Many countries, like Brazil and Bangladesh, struggle with inefficient energy use and limited access to clean energy sources (Bangladesh) leading to high electricity bills, unreliable power grids, and unhealthy cooking practices. Brazil and Bangladesh hold significant potential for solar technologies to tackle their energy challenges and Agriculture plays a key role in both economies, generating significant waste. TERRA project proposes to transform agriculture waste into Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials(SSPCMs). The SSPCMs could be explained as a thermal battery, that absorbs and stores excess heat, like sunlight or waste heat, and then releases it later for various uses: hot water, cooler buildings, or even cleaner cooking solutions.
The excellence of this project is its ability to address multiple issues at once. By utilizing readily available agricultural waste, TERRA offers a sustainable and low-cost approach to improve energy efficiency. This can benefit people in developing countries by lowering energy consumption and bills, providing access to cleaner and healthier cooking options, and reducing harmful indoor air pollution. As another example, the thermal control of photovoltaic panels by SSPCM can increase their energy generation efficiency, making it more economically accessible. Additionally, the project has the potential to create new jobs and empower women and girls through participation in the production and implementation of SSPCMs. Ultimately, TERRA research holds the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people by promoting cleaner energy use, reducing waste, and improving overall health and well-being in developing countries