Thomas Poelmans (Hydrobox)
Overview
Thomas Poelmans is the co-founder and current CEO of Hydrobox, an innovative company specializing in the development of containerized hydropower solutions aimed at providing clean and reliable energy to rural and underserved areas, particularly in Africa. The company was founded by Poelmans, a Belgian entrepreneur with extensive experience in renewable energy projects, alongside John Magiro, a Kenyan innovator who initially created a micro-hydropower plant using simple materials. Hydrobox aims to bridge the gap between energy accessibility and sustainability, focusing on reducing reliance on fossil fuels in remote areas by harnessing the power of rivers.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Hydrobox secured a USD 9 million debt investment from FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, and EDFI Management Company through ElectriFI, to fund eight small hydro projects. This investment aims to provide reliable electricity to over 10,000 people in Kenya. (Innovation Village)
- August 2023: Hydrobox was highlighted for its efforts to connect over one million Kenyans to locally produced hydropower by 2027. The company launched several hydro projects, including a flagship plant in Mathioya, enhancing its power generation capacity from 47 kilowatts to over 640 kilowatts. (Kenya News Agency)
- 2023: With support from GET.invest Finance Catalyst, Hydrobox expanded its operations within Kenya, developing a pipeline of 2.3 MW at multiple sites, expected to be commissioned by 2025. The adoption of an Anchor–Business–Community (ABC) business model significantly contributed to their sustainable growth. (GET.invest)
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Poelmans |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO, Co-founder of Hydrobox |
| Known For | Renewable energy solutions, Hydrobox |
| Education | Master's in Economics and International Politics, KU Leuven |
Early Life and Education
Thomas Poelmans began his educational journey at KU Leuven, where he earned a Bachelor's degree and subsequently a Master's degree in Economics with a focus on International Trade and Industrial Economics. His curiosity and dedication to addressing global solutions led him to further studies in Political Science, specifically Comparative and International Politics at KU Leuven and brief studies at the University of Gothenburg. These academic pursuits equipped him with a strong foundation in economic and political principles, influencing his future professional and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Thomas Poelmans embarked on his career at Deloitte, focusing on enhancing operations for international organizations in Africa. His role required dealing with audit, risk management, and project management services. In 2012, he co-launched WorldLoop and played a significant role in establishing e-waste recycling companies across Africa. His entrepreneurial spirit shone in 2015 when he co-founded NAMé Recycling in Cameroon, which made strides in plastic recycling.
- Co-founded Hydrobox in 2018, leading the creation of innovative hydropower plants.
- Under his leadership, Hydrobox won the EDF Pulse Africa award for its innovative off-grid electricity production model in 2019.
- Partnered for significant investments such as the recent funding from FMO and ElectriFI for extensive energy projects in Kenya.
Current Work and Impact
Thomas Poelmans continues to steer Hydrobox towards substantial impact in the renewable energy sector. His work focuses on integrating sustainable energy solutions into communities deprived of reliable power. By employing hydropower technologies combined with solar power, Hydrobox provides an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and scalable energy model. Poelmans' leadership has facilitated the creation of local jobs, the expansion of small businesses, and improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education through better electricity access.
Conclusion
Thomas Poelmans has significantly impacted the renewable energy landscape in Africa through his visionary leadership with Hydrobox. His commitment to sustainable and equitable energy solutions is reshaping how rural communities access and utilize power. As Hydrobox continues to grow, it stands poised to make substantial contributions to economic and social development in underprivileged regions, aiming to achieve widespread energy accessibility by 2030. Poelmans' efforts exemplify the potential of innovative entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change in developing areas, setting a precedent for future projects aiming for sustainability and societal benefit.