Meet Onesmus, our Energy Efficiency Pioneer

When it comes to merging electrical engineering with sustainable practices, Onesmus Shavuka shines brighter than the most efficient LED! As a seasoned part of the Lithon family from 2011, Onesmus isn’t just our in-house energy efficiency expert — he’s also a passionate mentor to the next generation of engineers. And when he’s not engrossed in a project or imparting his wisdom, you might find him cheering on his favourite soccer team or tapping his feet to some catchy tunes. 

We picked Onesmus’ brain to get some insight into the ins and outs of energy efficiency. 

 

What is Energy Efficiency? 

In electrical engineering, energy efficiency is the art of achieving the same output while consuming less energy.  

 

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Energy efficiency is crucial because it’s essentially the ‘first fuel’— the energy saved by not using it at all. To identify where and how to make energy savings, Onesmus recommends a thorough energy assessment to understand consumption patterns, demand, and potential areas of wastage.

 

Some benefits of energy efficiency include:

 

Saving Money

Using less energy means lower electricity bills. A great example is LED lighting which uses 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent lighting.

 

Enhancing Flexibility and Reliability

A more energy-efficient electrical grid is more flexible, with less load stress and fewer power outages or disruptions.

 

Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Energy efficiency goes hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability, as it reduces the need for fossil-fuel-based energy that contributes to harmful carbon emissions. By optimising energy use, we reduce our carbon footprints and protect our planet for future generations.

 

Examples of Energy-Efficient Technologies

Lighting 

Today’s technology has taken lighting to new levels of energy efficiency, with LEDs leading the way. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and these powerful lamps last around 25 times longer than conventional light bulbs, saving energy and reducing costs at the same time. Beyond LEDs, intelligent lighting systems that adjust based on natural light availability and occupancy are also gaining in popularity.

 

Water Heating 

When it comes to heating water, energy efficiency can be greatly improved by using solar water heaters. Solar geysers use the sun’s energy to heat water, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel energy sources.

 

Photovoltaics 

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. As technology advances and costs decrease, PV systems are becoming a popular renewable energy solution for both residential and commercial applications.

 

Your Journey to an Energy-Efficient Future Starts Here

Lithon’s electrical engineering team is brimming with expertise in optimising energy efficiency across various electrical systems. For guidance on your next project, reach out to us at info@lithon.com