Engen Strengthens STEM Education. Learners at Merebank Secondary School in South Durban are set to enjoy improved access to science education after Engen officially handed over a new solar-powered learning container designed to provide uninterrupted electricity for the school’s science laboratory. The initiative, launched on 24 July 2026, reinforces Engen’s commitment to supporting quality education while promoting sustainable energy solutions in South African schools.
The newly installed solar-powered container will ensure that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lessons can continue without disruption, even during power outages. By providing a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity, the project aims to create a better learning environment for hundreds of students while helping the school reduce its energy costs.
Solar-Powered Science Lab to Benefit Hundreds of Learners
The portable solar container, designed and delivered by Engen Business & Energy Solutions (EBES), features a 15kW solar power system equipped with an integrated Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This standalone energy solution has been specifically developed to provide continuous electricity to the school’s science laboratory, ensuring that practical lessons and STEM activities are not interrupted by load shedding or unexpected power failures.
Approximately 600 learners at Merebank Secondary School are expected to benefit from the installation. With reliable electricity available throughout the school day, students will have greater opportunities to participate in hands-on science experiments, laboratory demonstrations, and technology-focused learning activities that are essential for developing practical skills.
Supporting Quality STEM Education
Science laboratories require a stable power supply for equipment, computers, lighting, and other educational tools. Frequent electricity interruptions can significantly affect learners’ ability to complete experiments and gain practical experience.
By introducing a dedicated solar-powered energy system, Engen is helping the school maintain uninterrupted learning while encouraging greater participation in STEM education. Reliable electricity will also allow the school to extend the use of its science laboratory beyond regular school hours, creating opportunities for additional tutoring sessions, enrichment programmes, and science clubs.
This expanded access is expected to strengthen learners’ understanding of science and technology while preparing them for future careers in technical and engineering fields.
Reducing Electricity Costs for the School
In addition to improving learning conditions, the solar-powered container will help Merebank Secondary School lower its electricity expenses.
Savings generated through reduced energy consumption can be redirected toward other educational priorities, including classroom resources, teaching materials, laboratory equipment, and student support programmes.
This approach not only promotes sustainability but also enables the school to invest more effectively in improving the overall educational experience for its learners.
Engen Reaffirms Its Commitment to Education
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager, highlighted the importance of reliable electricity in modern education.
She explained that uninterrupted power is essential for delivering quality learning experiences, particularly in subjects that rely heavily on technology and practical laboratory work.
According to Mdabula, investing in sustainable energy infrastructure creates an environment where learners can continue exploring science, technology, and innovation without disruptions. She added that the project reflects Engen’s broader commitment to supporting education while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
School Principal Welcomes the Initiative
Merebank Secondary School Principal Mr. K. Bridgelal welcomed the new installation, describing it as a long-term investment that will positively impact both learners and educators.
He noted that students at the school have a strong interest in science and technology, and access to a dependable power supply will significantly improve their learning experience.
The principal explained that the solar-powered science laboratory will ensure practical lessons continue during power outages while also making it possible to keep the laboratory open after school for extra learning opportunities.
He further emphasized that reducing electricity costs would allow the school to allocate more resources toward other important educational needs, benefiting learners across multiple academic programmes.
Innovative Energy Solution Designed for Schools
According to Kevin Singh, Head of Engen Business & Energy Solutions (EBES), the portable solar container has been specifically engineered to provide dependable electricity wherever it is needed.
The compact, self-contained system is scalable and designed to deliver uninterrupted power to educational facilities that require a stable energy supply.
By ensuring consistent electricity for the science laboratory, the solution helps schools become more resilient while supporting technology-driven teaching methods and practical STEM education.
Building on Previous STEM Investments
The latest project forms part of Engen’s ongoing partnership with Merebank Secondary School.
In 2024, the company donated robotics and coding equipment to strengthen the school’s STEM programme. Those resources provided learners with opportunities to develop digital literacy, coding knowledge, problem-solving skills, and practical experience with emerging technologies.
The addition of the solar-powered science laboratory further enhances these earlier investments by ensuring that students have continuous access to the facilities and equipment needed for effective STEM learning.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Engen’s long-term commitment to preparing young South Africans for careers in science, engineering, technology, and innovation.
Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The project also aligns with Engen’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In particular, the initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to provide inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all, as well as SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which promotes access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy solutions.
By combining renewable energy with educational development, Engen is contributing to both environmental sustainability and improved academic outcomes.
The initiative also complements the company’s long-standing Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme, which has helped thousands of learners across South Africa improve their mathematics and science performance and pursue careers in STEM-related fields.
Conclusion
As schools continue integrating technology into classrooms, dependable electricity has become an essential part of delivering quality education.
The installation of the solar-powered science laboratory at Merebank Secondary School represents more than just an energy project—it is an investment in the future of South Africa’s young people.
By providing uninterrupted access to science education, lowering operating costs, and creating more opportunities for practical learning, Engen is helping learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The initiative demonstrates how partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions can create lasting benefits for communities while supporting sustainable development and expanding opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
