U of T alumnus, Olugbenga Olubanjo, has been nominated for the 2022 Pritzker Environmental Genius Award for his work on Reeddi.
Nigeria is home to the world’s largest energy deficit. Eighty-five million people — 43% of the population — lack access to grid electricity. To manage their households and businesses, many Nigerians rely on fossil fuel appliances like kerosene lamps and diesel generators, which contribute to air pollution and global warming.
Olugbenga invented the Reeddi capsule to address Nigeria’s energy crisis. The capsule works like a battery: each unit powers multiple appliances and can be recharged using solar panels. Because purchasing them is expensive, locals can rent one for 50 cents a day. A single capsule prevents 30 pounds of carbon dioxide and 13 pounds of toxic pollutants a year, on average. Reeddi provides electricity to 1,500 households and businesses in Nigeria and seeks to expand across West Africa.
Since starting in 2019, the Reeddi capsule has been recognized by 15 national and international awards, including the Earthshot Prize and recognition among Time magazine’s Best Inventions 2021.