Olivier Kasikala | Plant Manager
Energy storage innovation lab

Mr. Olivier Kasikala is a leading expert in energy storage and renewable technologies, with a background in chemical engineering. He
specializes in lithium-ion batteries for portable, stationary, and e-mobility applications. As the Plant Manager of the Energy Storage Innovation
Lab at UWC, Olivier has led several high-impact projects, ranging from LIB cells design and assembly, solar-powered energy storage
systems, e-mobility solutions and training. He has completed advanced training at the uYilo Electric Mobility Programme and Argonne
National Laboratory in the US, and attended the Energy Storage Systems course at Stellenbosch University. With a strong focus on
sustainable, inclusive energy access, Olivier has also trained industry leaders such as ESKOM at Komati Power Station and First Battery on
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). His advocacy for local manufacturing and youth empowerment underscores his commitment to
fostering energy independence across Africa.