Engen strengthens STEM education at Merebank Secondary with solar-powered science lab
“Reliable electricity is fundamental to delivering quality education in today’s learning environment,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager.
Learners at Merebank Secondary School in South Durban are set to benefit from uninterrupted science and STEM education following the handover of a new solar-powered learning container by Engen last week.
Designed and delivered by Engen Business & Energy Solutions (EBES) and implemented by the EBES Engineering team, the 15kW portable solar container provides a dedicated, reliable power supply for the school’s science laboratory.
Equipped with an integrated UPS, the standalone energy solution ensures uninterrupted electricity, enabling practical science lessons and STEM-related activities to continue even during power outages.
The solar-powered science lab will benefit close to 600 learners, supporting the school’s strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Beyond ensuring continuity of learning, the installation will also help reduce electricity costs, allowing the school to redirect valuable resources towards other educational priorities while extending access to the science lab for after-school learning and enrichment programmes.
“Reliable electricity is fundamental to delivering quality education in today’s learning environment,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager. “By investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, we are helping create an environment where learners can continue exploring science, technology and innovation without interruption. This initiative reflects Engen’s commitment to supporting education while contributing to a more sustainable future.”
K. Bridgelal, the Principal at Merebank Secondary School welcomed the handover, describing it as an investment that will have lasting benefits for both learners and the school.
“Our learners have a real passion for science and technology, and having a reliable power supply for our science laboratory will significantly enhance their learning experience. The solar-powered container ensures that practical lessons can continue during power outages, while also enabling us to make greater use of the laboratory after school for additional learning opportunities. The savings on electricity costs can be redirected towards other essential school needs, allowing us to invest even more in our learners’ education.”
Kevin Singh, Head of Engen Business & Energy Solutions (EBES), says the solution has been specifically designed to provide dependable energy where it is needed most.
“Our portable solar container is a compact, self-contained and scalable energy solution that delivers uninterrupted power to the learning environment it serves. By providing a stable electricity supply for the science laboratory, the system helps schools build resilience while supporting technology-enabled teaching and learning.”
The handover builds on Engen’s ongoing support for Merebank Secondary School. In 2024, Engen donated robotics and coding equipment to strengthen the school’s STEM programme, providing learners with valuable tools to develop digital and problem-solving skills. The addition of the solar-powered science lab further enhances the school’s ability to deliver quality STEM education by ensuring a dependable power supply for practical learning.
The project aligns with Engen’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. It also complements the company’s long-standing investment in education through initiatives such as the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS), which has helped thousands of learners pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Education has the power to transform lives and create opportunity,” adds Mdabula. “By combining sustainable energy with quality learning environments, we are helping equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.”
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