Siemens Energy brought Gauteng learners together for a Just Energy Transition hackathon focused on sustainability, innovation and future-ready skills linked to South Africa’s energy transformation.
Siemens Energy hosted a one-day Just Energy Transition (JET) Schools Hackathon in Midrand, giving Gauteng learners the opportunity to develop practical solutions to South Africa’s energy and sustainability challenges.
The initiative builds on Siemens Energy’s inaugural JET Hackathon launched in 2022 and aims to inspire interest in STEM subjects while preparing young people for careers linked to the country’s changing energy landscape.
South Africa’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems is expected to create growing opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, battery storage, grid modernisation and sustainable infrastructure.
Learners from six Gauteng schools worked directly with Siemens Energy experts to tackle real-world energy challenges through collaborative presentations and problem-solving exercises.
The hackathon featured three themes across grade levels:
- Grade 10: Carbon-neutral greenhouse design
- Grade 11: Emerging careers in the energy transition
- Grade 12: Waste-to-energy solutions
Participating schools included Buhle Park Secondary School, Roosevelt Secondary School, Hoërskool Jeugland, Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation, Lethulwazi Secondary School and Sir Pierre van Ryneveld High School.
Winning schools received certificates and tablets, while Grade 12 winners from Buhle Park Secondary School were also awarded bursaries for higher learning.
Several standout concepts impressed the judging panel.
Lethulwazi Secondary School developed a solar-powered food security solution designed to support up to 50 households using renewable energy and water-saving irrigation systems.
Roosevelt Secondary School explored future careers linked to the energy transition, highlighting growing demand for STEM, engineering and digital skills within the evolving energy sector.
Buhle Park Secondary School designed a waste heat recovery system capable of converting industrial heat into electricity, helping reduce diesel dependency and improve energy efficiency.
The hackathon formed part of Siemens Energy’s broader effort to equip young South Africans with the skills, confidence and exposure needed to participate in the country’s energy future.
