The platform aims to design and develop an integrated system of technologies that turn sunshine and sewage into energy and valuable commodities and opportunities for local economic development and job creation through food and fuel production.

Providing municipal services such as electricity and waste water treatment is a major challenge for small towns that often lack the institutional capacity to manage and maintain the necessary infrastructure. High levels of poverty in these towns also present cost-recovery challenges. The platform is a CSIR interdisciplinary response to assist rural municipalities.