WePOWER

ABOUT WePOWER

In a world where energy and power dynamics significantly influence our daily existence, a pioneering initiative is poised to reshape the prevailing narrative. The "South Asia Gender and Energy" (SAGE) program, spearheaded by the World Bank, stands as a transformative endeavor. Central to this program is the visionary undertaking known as the "Women in Power Sector Network in South Asia (WePOWER)." This initiative serves as a beacon of change, aiming to reconfigure the landscape for women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

WePOWER doesn't merely aspire for change; it is a catalyst for a transformative shift in how society perceives and embraces women in the energy and power sector. Imagine a future where the clinking of hard hats and the hum of machinery are harmonized with the brilliance of women engineers and professionals, actively driving innovation and sustainability in the power domain. The WePOWER track is designed to encourage women's participation in power and energy fields, driving innovation and contributing to a cleaner approach to energy generation.

Theme for WePOWER Track 2025

“Innovations for Clean, Affordable and Inclusive Energy Solutions”

This theme places a primary emphasis on mitigating carbon footprints while ensuring the enduring availability of energy for future generations. The focus extends beyond mere reduction to embrace the development and promotion of sustainable energy solutions. By fostering innovation in clean and affordable energy, the WePOWER Track aspires to lead the way in creating a future where energy is not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

Clean Energy Technologies - : Innovations in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, along with advancements in energy storage and grid technologies.
Affordability and Accessibility - Strategies to reduce the cost of energy production and distribution, ensuring energy reaches underserved and remote communities.
Inclusivity and Gender Equality - Empowering women-led initiatives and fostering inclusive participation in the energy sector.
Policy and Governance - Frameworks and regulations that promote sustainable energy practices and investment.
Digital Transformation - The role of smart grids, IoT, AI, and blockchain in revolutionizing energy systems.
Community-Centric Solutions - Grassroots innovations that address local energy challenges and create sustainable impact.

Objective:

WePOWER aims to actively promote the adoption of clean energy systems, envisioning a future where they not only contribute to a safe environment for future generations but also position the renewable energy sector as an appealing and rewarding career option for women. Beyond individual empowerment, WePOWER is dedicated to actively contributing to the comprehensive development of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. This commitment involves fostering positive environmental and societal changes by the increased participation of women in leadership roles within the power and energy sectors. To enhance efficiency, WePOWER will focus on targeted initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that advance the dual goals of clean energy promotion and women's leadership in sustainable development.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Participants in the WePOWER Track 2025 are diverse and inclusive, encompassing a wide array of individuals who align with the theme of "Clean and Affordable Energy."

The team size can have a maximum of 4 members of which 1 member must be a girl student.

The platform welcomes:

Innovators and Creators:
Those who actively contribute to the development and promotion of sustainable energy solutions.
University Students:
Students from various universities are eligible to participate, providing a platform for the next generation of innovators to showcase their talents and ideas.
Graduate Members:
Individuals with graduate-level expertise who can offer solutions to the problem statements posed by the WePOWER Track. Their knowledge and skills contribute to the advancement of clean and affordable energy initiatives.

By bringing together this diverse range of participants, the WePOWER Track aims to create a collaborative environment where different perspectives and expertise converge to drive innovation in sustainable energy.

Submit your Abstract now

Closed

Deadline: 31 / 03 / 2025

Download Abstract Template

BENEFITS OF BEING PARTICIPANT IN THE WEPOWER TRACK:

Enhance Employability

* Focus on skill development in the power and energy sector to expand the talent pool. * Vision to increase the number of skilled women in power and energy, promoting gender diversity in teams.

Skill Development

* Emphasis on project-based learning to enhance skills and confidence in dealing with practical issues in the Energy Sector. * Preparation for future careers, addressing learning gaps, and boosting self-esteem.

Recognition and Prestige

* Winning or being recognized in the Grand Finale enhances prestige and opens doors to further opportunities. * Successful teams establish a reputation in the field as technologists and innovators.

Networking Opportunity

* Participation in an international event provides face-to-face interaction with experts in the power and energy field. * Opportunities for future collaborations and mentorship, expanding professional networks.

Post Competition Opportunities

* Increased chances for an entrepreneurial future with mentorship provided to promising projects. * Potential pathways for further development and entrepreneurship, with successful projects evolving into ventures that attract investors or industry interest.

Participating in this initiative not only boosts individual skills and confidence but also offers recognition, networking opportunities, and the potential for entrepreneurial success, ultimately enhancing employability in the dynamic power and energy sector.

DOWNLOAD WePOWER RULEBOOK

DOWNLOAD WePOWER BROCHURE

Points to be noted by the Participants:

Maximum number of team members: 4. (At least one girl should be on the team.)
Team members may originate from various academic institutions, businesses, and nations. The team's registered members will be the only ones to receive certificates. The team registration should also include the names of the mentors.
Teams are locked when the abstract is submitted, and any additional changes to team members or mentors will not be accepted.
Research studies, idea proposals, working models (hardware), and simulation efforts are all accepted. However, a thorough literature review should firmly support the technical content. Innovativeness and a potential for good should characterize the proposed location.
Each Team is completely in charge of maintaining its own sense of unity and cooperation.

Rules and Regulations:

The competition is open to all undergraduate students, post graduate students, young professionals and research scholars.
Project abstracts should be submitted through the YESIST12 website.
Abstracts should adhere to the track theme.
Abstracts will be evaluated and the teams will be notified of their selection to finals.
Selected teams should register through the link before the deadline in order to confirm their participation in the finals.
Only registered members of the team will be given certificates. Mentor names should also accompany the team registration. They will also be provided with certificates.
Participants should present their work during the finals to the judging panel.
Decision of the committee/panel will be final.

Participants are encouraged to focus on following SDGs:

Track structure:

Finale:

Selected teams will present their project works/ideas before the jury during the finals. Evaluation will be carried out based on the criteria.

Call for abstracts:

Anybody interested in the WePower track is welcome to submit an abstract. There should be a worldwide call for abstracts. Through the online portal, participants can submit their abstracts (available on the website)

Selection and Registration:

Finalist projects are chosen from among the most promising and creative ones, and teams are notified by mail.

MILESTONES - WePOWER

WHAT ARE THE PROJECTS CAN BE SUBMITTED?

The WePOWER track invites the participants to submit projects related to the following topics:

Innovative Solutions for Energy Storage Efficiency:
- Hybrid Energy Storage Systems: Combining batteries and supercapacitors.
- Solid-State Batteries: Research and implementation for enhanced energy storage.
- Compressed Air Energy Storage: Small-scale, cost-effective systems.
- Repurposed EV Batteries for Grids: Retrofitting retired EV batteries for renewable storage.
- AI-Based Storage Optimization: Algorithms to maximize energy storage performance.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Efficient storage for surplus renewable energy.
- Gravity-Based Energy Storage: Solutions leveraging mechanical energy for storage.
Digital Technologies (IoT and AI) for Energy Optimization:
- IoT which helps in utilizing clean and affordable energy
- AI-Driven Load Forecasting: Predicting energy demand for better resource allocation.
- IoT for Microgrid Management: Efficient real-time monitoring of distributed energy.
- AI for Energy Theft Detection: Identifying inefficiencies or theft in underserved areas.
- Renewable Energy Forecasting: AI for better prediction of solar and wind generation.
- Virtual Power Plants: Coordination of distributed energy resources using AI.
- Digital Twins for Energy Infrastructure: Simulation of energy systems for optimization.
- AI-Powered Energy Distribution in Urban Slums: Addressing underserved areas effectively.
Community-Driven Renewable Energy Initiatives:
- Solar energy technologies which can be made more affordable and accessible to remote communities
- Cooperative Solar Farms: Community ownership of renewable resources.
- Renewable Energy Crowdfunding: Platforms for raising funds for community projects.
- Energy Literacy and Training Programs: Educating communities on renewable energy benefits.
- Shared Solar Grids: Models for equitable use of shared energy resources.
- Community Biogas Plants: Small-scale biogas projects for rural communities.
- Rural Renewable Energy Mentorship Programs: Empowering communities to manage local projects.
- Agricultural Renewable Energy Cooperatives: Energy solutions specifically tailored for farmers.
- Renewable Energy in daily life applications
Blockchain for Energy Transactions:
- Smart Energy Contracts: Automating transactions using blockchain technology.
- Tokenized Energy Credits: Incentives for renewable energy producers and consumers.
- Peer-to-Peer Energy Markets: Blockchain-based platforms for buying/selling renewable energy.
- Renewable Energy Certificate Verification: Using blockchain for transparent certification processes.
- Carbon Offset Tracking: Blockchain for tracking carbon reductions in renewable energy projects.
- Decentralized Energy Billing Systems: Transparent and tamper-proof energy billing models.
- Supply Chain Transparency for Energy Equipment: Ensuring sustainability in sourcing and manufacturing.