#ProjectHelios

Summary

The project aims to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of developing sustainable and affordable green energy solutions by combining solar power generation with battery storage systems. The goal is to provide reliable, zero-carbon electricity to a range of customers, while optimizing energy use through off-peak storage. The study seeks to identify optimal locations, assess potential suppliers and develop a procurement and implementation strategy that aligns with long-term sustainability and cost-efficiency objectives.

Success will be measured by achieving a positive feasibility outcome for at least one pilot location (viable Funding structure, CAPEX, OPEX, IRR and payback period), demonstrating a carbon-neutral energy profile for the proposed setup and developing a procurement strategy that ensures quality, reliability and scalability.

Key Assumptions include stable regulatory frameworks supporting renewable energy deployment, continued decline in solar and battery costs and availability of suitable land for installation. Major risks involve supply chain volatility, technology performance variability and potential delays in permitting or grid connection. The feasibility study will incorporate risk mitigation strategies to address these uncertainties.

Project Description

The global energy transition and growing electricity demand are reshaping how power is generated and consumed. Geopolitical uncertainty, coupled with the rising energy needs of emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining and data centers, has intensified the search for sustainable, affordable and secure energy sources. In this context, solar energy combined with battery storage offers a promising pathway toward green continuous power.

The project will assess the feasibility and business case of deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems coupled with advanced battery storage across multiple locations. The objective is to identify the most suitable and economically viable sites for solar installations, evaluate technology options and outline a procurement and implementation strategy that ensures stable power supply for various offtakers.

Project Phases

Feasibility Study: Market assessment, regulatory review and high-level technical concept.
Site Screening and Selection: Evaluation of solar potential, grid access and land suitability.
Technology and Supplier Assessment: Comparison of PV and Battery Technologies, including performance, cost and maturity.
Economic and Risk Analysis: NPV, CAPEX/OPEX modelling, risk and opportunity mapping and funding option identification.

Key Milestones

Completion of feasibility analysis and location screening
Technology and supplier shortlisting
Financial modelling
Consolidation of results into a preliminary business plan and implementation roadmap.

By the end of the project, the outcome will provide a clear pathway for developing sustainable solar and battery storage solutions capable of delivering 24/7 clean energy to diverse customers, while supporting both energy transition goals and commercial viability.

Deliverables

At the end of the project, the company will have a comprehensive feasibility and strategy report including:

Site Selection and Ranking

Identification and evaluation of optimal location for Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) deployment.
Technology Recommendation

Selection of suitable solar and battery technologies, including supplier assessment.
Business Model and Offtaker Strategy

Definition of target clients, pricing and commercial structure.
Funding and Partnership Options

Overview of possible financing mechanisms and collaboration models.
Preliminary Business Plan

Integrating technical, financial and commercial findings into a coherent investment proposal.

Our Guiding Principles

Sustainability & Circularity

Aligning with zero-carbon principles and considering the entire life cycle of PV and BESS.

Responsible Sourcing

Circular procurement and responsible sourcing will guide all supplier evaluation and technology selection.

Market Diligence

Conducting meetings with suppliers and industry stakeholders to gather first-hand market and performance data.

Data-Driven Collaboration

Collaborating with AI and data analytics experts to support location screening, optimization, and forecasting.

Strategic Partnerships

Engaging with green energy funds and financial institutions to assess financing opportunities.

Confidentiality

Handling all information in accordance with company and academic confidentiality agreements.

Motivation

As Hero Engineering AS company is already dedicated to energy transition and global electrification, this project represents Hero’s dream and future vision, moving from contributing to enabling the renewable initiatives to actively developing and leading new sustainable energy solutions. The motivation is to strengthen the role as a developer of integrated solar and storage projects, creating affordable energy for communities.

The introduction of storage is real change Hero Engineering wants to drive, transforming intermittent renewables into reliable, round-the-clock clean power. Supported by an amazing C-suite team that inspires her, this project reflects both Hero’s personal conviction and company´s ambition to create something unique and scalable. Through the ICP, we aim to consolidate this vision into a concrete, investment-ready project that advances both our business and gives green energy back to society and, one day, to create a truly sustainable island powered entirely by renewable energy and storage. We are determined to open a door toward the future.

Project Impact

This project directly contributes to IESE´s 3 pillars by addressing one of the most urgent global needs: clean, affordable and reliable energy.

Through the development of integrated solar and storage solutions, the project supports the creation of a sustainable energy model with minimum environmental impact and maximum social benefit. By providing stable, renewable power, it enables better living conditions for communities.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, the project aims to design a new business model for energy generation and storage, one that combines financial viability with environmental responsibility. It reflects a hands-on approach to building a real, scalable business that advances both economic opportunities and sustainability goals.

Finally, the project incorporates a digital mindset, leveraging AI and data analytics for site selection, performance optimization and predictive maintenance. In doing so, it integrates technology, entrepreneurship and sustainability into a single initiative that contributes to the global transition toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Meet the Team

Hero Orfanou

Chief Executive Officer

Founder of Hero Engineering AS, driving innovation in offshore wind, sustainable power systems, and expanding into solar and battery storage solutions to accelerate the global energy transition. A seasoned Project Manager and Energy Transition Consultant with over 15 years of international experience.

Giuseppe Bianco

Chief Financial Officer

Giuseppe brings 19 years of international experience in the financial services industry. Based in Luxembourg, he manages internal Controls and Risks and lectures at the Universite de Lorraine. He is passionate about innovative financial solutions connecting sustainability, technology, and long-term value.

Angel Leon

Chief Information Officer

Global technology leader with 21 years of experience successfully driving technology adoptions across both private companies and the public sector worldwide. Angel brings experience from high-impact roles as an Ex-Googler, an Ex-Amazonian, a former Government officer, a United Nations leader, and an Entrepreneur.

Makibinyane Mohapeloa

Chief Marketing Officer

A versatile entrepreneur and executive with extensive experience in management consulting, integrated marketing, satellite telecommunications, and private equity. He founded Tshokoma Training and Consulting to drive skills development and strategic growth in South Africa.

Luana Carvalhosa

Chief Sustainability Officer

A renowned expert in environmental policy and circular economy, ensuring our project aligns with the highest sustainability and zero-carbon principles.

Nisheel Kisun

Chief Operating Officer

Nisheel brings over 14 years of experience within the retail industry with a wealth of expertise in operations management, marketing, and supply chain strategy. As the Executive Director of Shop N Save Supermarket in Fiji Islands, he leads with a vision to deliver exceptional value.

Monique Hodges

Chief Strategy Officer

Crafts the narrative for #ProjectHelios, connecting our mission with global stakeholders, investors, and the communities we aim to serve.