The Productive Use Container

Date: 2005 – 2007
Client: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS), Nuon (Dutch Utility) and Novib (Oxfam Netherlands)
Location: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
Outcome: Restio Energy was the project manager of the Productive Use Container initiative which saw the development and implementation of 6 Productive Use Containers (PUCs). The PUC concept was developed by Restio Energy and E+Co to demonstrate the capacity of renewable energy to support micro- and small enterprise. The PUC has been developed as a small business package aimed at addressing the range of barriers to the development of sustainable SMEs. In addition to supplying modern energy (PV solar), the containerised business solution includes market opportunity analysis, business skills development, secure business premises, mentoring, finance etc.