Kenya-Based Circular Energy Storage Partner for Energy Catalys

New Mile gGmbH is a Germany-based non-profit organisation with operational presence in Kenya, working to restore and strengthen clean energy access in rural regions and displacement settings across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Across the region, tens of thousands of off-grid solar installations at hospitals, schools and humanitarian facilities are no longer functioning reliably. Failed batteries, missing maintenance systems and the absence of structured end-of-life pathways have resulted in stranded infrastructure and growing volumes of solar-related e-waste. This directly affects essential services such as healthcare delivery, education, cooling of medicines and livelihoods.

Our approach addresses this systemic challenge through circular innovation. Within Energy Catalyst Round 11, we aim to establish a test centre in Kenya for assessing and repurposing end-of-life PV Battery systems, develop a structured battery recycling chain, and build local capacity for modular energy storage integration. A pilot site is already identified, enabling real-world validation.

By combining technical innovation with local skills development and inclusive deployment models, the project seeks to restore critical energy infrastructure, reduce environmental harm and create sustainable economic opportunities. We are seeking collaboration with a UK-registered administrative lead and SME partners to co-develop scalable clean energy access solutions aligned with SDG 7 and SDG 13.