Completion of the Second Phase of the Solar Energy Project at the Casa do Gaiato Farm in Mozambique

Completion of the Second Phase of the Solar Energy Project at the Casa do Gaiato Farm in Mozambique

The solar energy project for the Fazenda de Casa do Gaiato area has culminated in an on-ground photovoltaic installation that provides the agricultural area managed by the host house with an affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity supply. It is now fully operational.

The main objective of the project was to solve the problems arising from the grid electricity supply, which was of low quality, expensive and unreliable. The photovoltaic solar installation now powers the water pumping system, the chicken coop and the lighting of the agricultural area, significantly reducing the organization’s electricity bill and allowing reinvestment in new activities and projects for the benefit of the community.

Casa do Gaiato, located on the outskirts of the village of Massaca, in the district of Boane, Maputo province, has been a pillar of social support for the surrounding rural communities for more than 30 years. This organisation provides food, healthcare, education and vocational support to children without families, as well as primary and secondary education.

La instal·lació del sistema solar fotovoltaic ha estat realitzada amb èxit. Podeu consultar les dades a la fitxa de projecte. (link) Això ha permès a Casa do Gaiato ser més autosuficient pel que fa al subministrament elèctric i estalviar diners per finançar altres activitats de la fazenda.

Beneficis Assolits

  1. Estalvi Econòmic: Hem aconseguit una reducció significativa dels costos d’electricitat, permetent un ràpid retorn de la inversió.
  2. Sostenibilitat Ambiental: S’ha reduït l’ús de combustibles fòssils i les emissions de CO2.
  3. Millora de la Productivitat: Les activitats agrícoles són ara més rendibles gràcies a una font d’energia fiable.
  4. Impacte Social: Les condicions de vida dels nens/es, treballadors/es i famílies associades a Casa do Gaiato esperem que millorin notablement.

directora-casa-do-gaiato_azimut360
Quiteria Protasio Director Casa do Gaiato

In addition to the installation of the system, practical training has been provided to Casa do Gaiato workers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system. With these trainings we hope to increase the local capacity of the maintenance of the facilities in order to optimize the energy produced.

We are very satisfied with the results of this second phase of the project. Casa do Gaiato can now carry out all its agricultural and economic activities without interruptions or large expenditures on fossil fuels. This success not only benefits the organization, but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future for the entire community.

For this reason, we want to thank all those who have participated and collaborated in this project. To our team formed by Chloé for the coordination and Jordi who is already one more “gaiato”!

       

Azimut World: cooperation and development area


Second Phase of the Solar Photovoltaic Project at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM in Entebbe, Uganda: 45% Solar Fraction Achieved!

Second Phase of the Solar Photovoltaic Project at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM in Entebbe, Uganda: 45% Solar Fraction Achieved!

In Entebbe, a city on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, there has been recent progress in the field of solar energy. With an exceptional 278 kWp photovoltaic generator and 930 kWh of LFP BESS, the biomedical research unit MRC/UVRI & LSHTM has achieved a 45% solar electricity fraction (which translates into savings on electricity bills). This initiative not only increases the sustainable energy generation capacity of the center but also sets a benchmark towards a more sustainable and energy-autonomous future. As the project is now in its second phase, this expansion has been built upon the previous solar photovoltaic installation, which consisted of a 327 kWp self-consumption system.

The photovoltaic arrays in this new phase have been placed on the roofs of the CRF Clinic, a newly built clinic by the center, and on the staff houses. Each roof directs all photovoltaic strings to two technical rooms where the solar photovoltaic inverters have been installed. Fuses and SPDs have been placed on both the roofs and inside the technical rooms to protect all DC strings. The AC protections and the remaining electrical and communication panels complete the installation inside the technical rooms. All the electricity generated in the CRF clinic area is transferred to the main site area via a recently installed medium-voltage line, an extension of the existing 11 kV ring of the Unit. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is connected at low voltage directly to the Unit’s main switchboard. This consists of a set of outdoor cabinets, placed on a concrete slab.

What were the objectives of this installation?

The Medical Research Council in Uganda had a dual objective in mind. On one hand, to reduce electricity bills as much as possible, becoming immune to future fluctuations in electricity and diesel prices. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, to become carbon neutral and move closer to full energy autonomy.

How did we achieve this?

We conducted a prefeasibility study, which included monitoring the center’s energy consumption patterns. Then, we carried out simulations to optimize the expansion (which included photovoltaics + storage), and finally, we designed and engineered the solution using the highest quality brands available in the market. We concluded that the best area available to place the photovoltaic modules was around the staff houses and the new CRF roof, which also had considerable surface area. Reaching this point required extending the medium-voltage ring that the Uganda Unit already had. A total of 520 photovoltaic modules were installed on 7 roofs. As for the BESS, we opted to install a 300 kVA Power Conversion System (PCS) from the French manufacturer Socomec, along with a total of 930 kWh, divided into 5 outdoor cabinets of 186 kWh each, from one of the leading manufacturers of lithium iron phosphate, CATL. Last but not least, the entire solution is governed by a hybrid controller, which monitors the load at all times, the energy generated by the photovoltaic arrays, and the energy supplied by the grid or generators; this controller is also responsible for commanding the BESS, which will charge or discharge the battery according to the best possible strategy.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

As mentioned earlier, to store the excess solar photovoltaic energy, we chose the manufacturer Socomec. This is a company with over 100 years of experience in energy conversion, monitoring, and electrical switching. Specifically, the selected solution was the “SUNSYS HES L,” an ESS specifically designed for outdoor environments and renewable energy applications. This solution uses 3 types of cabinets, which are more modular and use less space: an electrical distribution board (AC-Cab), an Energy Conversion Cabinet (C-Cab), and each of the battery cabinets (B-Cab). Being more modular allows the system to easily adapt as needs grow. Moreover, this solution supports configurations that are compatible with both grid-forming and grid-following applications. The C-Cab in this case consisted of six 50 kVA power modules, which can be hot-swapped (i.e., they can be replaced even with the system online) in case of maintenance.

In summary, the solar photovoltaic expansion carried out at the Uganda Unit of MRC/UVRI & LSHTM represents a significant step towards energy autonomy and carbon neutrality. By combining top-class photovoltaic solar module technology with the latest advances in lithium energy storage, this project ensures at least 45% of the center’s energy needs are met from a clean energy source and represents a reference model for future projects in the region.

The involvement of companies like Azimut 360, specialized in promoting sustainable energy solutions and developing projects that encourage a clean energy transition, has been key to the success and future replicability of this initiative, which paves the way towards a greener and more self-sufficient future.


Fotovoltaica tetuan

Driving the Energy Transition in Tetouan

Driving the Energy Transition in Tetouan: A leading photovoltaic training project in Morocco

Fotovoltaica tetuan

Between the end of November and the beginning of December 2023, our international training team was on a mission in Tetouan to boost the energy transition in Northern Morocco through the transfer of technical skills to the municipalities of Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Mdiq, and Martil.

Mapa-Marroc

The project aims to contribute to the energy transition process, working on two main lines of action:

  • Strengthening the capacities of technicians from the 4 municipalities in photovoltaic energy.
  • Promoting an exchange of good practices in energy transition among municipalities, focused on both individuals and companies.

Currently, the municipalities of the Tangier, Tetouan Al Hoceima region face the challenge of improving their energy management in terms of savings and efficiency. The project planned capacity-building activities for municipal technicians from four municipalities in the region and members of the ANMAR Federation.

In the training sessions, various aspects were covered such as the preliminary evaluation of solar installations, as well as the assembly, installation, and maintenance of these systems.

Furthermore, an exchange of good practices in renewable energy and energy efficiency among municipalities associated with ANMAR was promoted, marking an important step towards the region’s energy sustainability.

Originally, the training was planned for a single photovoltaic installation. However, this initiative expanded to include two installations, aiming to strengthen the knowledge of local technicians, as well as the presence of renewable and local energy sources in public buildings. Theoretical and practical sessions were conducted, including visits to municipal buildings, reporting, and assembly and commissioning work for the two photovoltaic systems at two dependencies of the Tetouan City Council.

Formació Tetuan

These predominantly practical trainings were especially valuable for municipal technicians, who already had a foundation in electricity and needed to expand their specific knowledge in terms of photovoltaics.

The participants, technicians from various municipalities in the area, were the protagonists of this training project. This diversity enriched the experience, allowing an exchange of knowledge and experiences among municipalities. The activities focused on Tetouan, but the project’s impact is expected to extend throughout the region.

A notable aspect of this project was the use of local Moroccan suppliers for the purchase of materials, a decision made to contribute to boosting the national economy of the sector and its autonomy. Additionally, collaboration with the local partner ANMAR was essential for the coordination and success of the project.

Muntatge-fotovoltaica-Tetuan

This project was funded by Barcelona Solidaria, reflecting a strong and productive bond between Spain and Morocco in terms of sustainable development. The ultimate goal of this initiative was to train Moroccan technicians in photovoltaic technologies, with the vision that these projects could be replicated in other parts of the country.

This transfer of knowledge is expected to have a lasting impact, not only in reducing energy dependence but also in promoting regional autonomy and sustainable development.

Azimut World: cooperation and development area


Banc bateries_contenidor_inversor

Why should we install solar hybrid system?

Why should we install solar hybrid system in Africa?

socomec_baterias_Azimut360

The Role of Batteries in Solar Hybrid Systems:

In recent years, electrochemical storage systems have emerged as significant players in the energy transition, alongside renewable sources. Unlike other conventional storage systems such as mechanical, thermal, or chemical, electrochemical storage offers several advantages, including high energy and power density, competitive market prices, and the ability to support continuous charge and discharge applications. Due to their scalability and flexibility, electrochemical batteries have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, powering portable appliances ranging from mobile phones to tablets or laptops. It comes as no surprise that even the automotive sector is transitioning from combustion engines to electric motors, coupled with electrochemical batteries.

In the photovoltaic (PV) sector, batteries have been widely used for the past decade to store excess energy produced by PV panels during sunny hours and utilize it during nighttime. The decision to shift power production to the night can be motivated by various factors, depending on the specific system in place.

In on-grid systems, both at the industrial and residential levels, most installed PV systems do not include batteries. The reason behind this lies in the cost implications. Shifting excess solar energy to the night hours leads to an increase in cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an extended payback period. Providing quantitative examples is challenging as it depends on factors such as electricity bills, scheduled costs, battery prices, and battery capacity. According to our experience in the sector, to double the self-consumption through hybrid system we move from 4-5 years of Pay Back Time, with only the PV, to 9-10 years. For this reason, the majority of the installation is known as “0-injection” or “self-consumption,” where the peak production of the PV system matches the peak load demand.

Addressing Reliability Challenges:

However, if the local grid is unreliable and forces consumers to endure frequent power outages, using batteries becomes a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution compared to relying on diesel generators as backups. Industries and hospitals, for instance, benefit from integrating batteries into their systems as it ensures a higher degree of independence from the grid, resulting in a more stable and flexible energy supply. Several situations in Africa have demonstrated the critical need for battery integration, as hospitals were unable to operate in surgical rooms due to grid outages and temporary unavailability of diesel fuel for generators.

Moreover, powering your appliances with your own produced power also has a great advantage in terms of power quality and security. The first is crucial to prevent client appliances, which may be very costly, from being subjected to fluctuating grid power and thus getting spoiled over time. The second improves the resiliency of the industry or hospital in reacting to increases in fossil fuel prices or political instabilities.

Off-Grid Systems:

baterias_azimut360

In the specific case of off-grid systems, batteries assume a pivotal role, offering a practical and indispensable solution. Their integration with photovoltaic (PV) technology becomes paramount to ensure an uninterrupted power supply 24 hours a day. These systems go beyond mere economic optimization and are designed to fulfill specific objectives. Depending on the application, the battery can be appropriately sized to meet the load requirements for two or even three consecutive days. Given the unpredictability of solar resources, these systems are consistently hybridized with small diesel generators as a contingency measure during extended periods of rainfall.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead:

In the next blog, we will enter into detail about the available types of batteries (lead-acid, lithium ion, flow batteries …)  discussing which ones are preferred in one case and which in the other. Since the importance of storage in the electrification of the production and consumption sectors is well-known, there are always more and more emerging technologies entering the market. We will go through the most popular ones, describing their pros and cons in commercial and industrial applications.

For more information you can read the related article:

https://azimut360.coop/en/2023/11/solar-energy-for-hospitals-in-sub-saharian-africa-when-does-it-make-sense/

Azimut World: commercial & International area


placas solares MRC_Azimut360

Solar Energy for Hospitals in Sub-Saharian Africa: when does it make sense

Solar Energy for Hospitals & Biomedical Research Centres in Sub-Saharan Africa: When does it make sense?

Solar energy has been growing exponentially worldwide due to its numerous advantages and ability to meet the demands of a growing population. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for reliable power in hospitals and biomedical research centres has become increasingly crucial. This article will explore the reasons behind this need, the benefits of solar energy, and the optimal conditions for implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage solutions (BESS), PV + diesel hybrid systems, and solar-powered medical oxygen production.

placas solares MRC_Azimut360

Why Hospitals and Biomedical Research Centres?

Hospitals and biomedical research centres play a vital role in the health and well-being of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are responsible for providing critical medical care, conducting life-saving research, and creating a sustainable healthcare infrastructure. As such, they require continuous, reliable, and efficient power to run their operations and support their mission.

The Need for a Reliable Power Supply

The lack of a reliable power supply in Sub-Saharan Africa poses significant challenges to hospitals and research centres. Frequent power outages disrupt essential services, equipment, and research[1]. This can lead to the loss of valuable data, life-threatening delays in care, and increased operational costs. Moreover, relying on the local grid can subject valuable client appliances to power fluctuations and diminish resilience in response to fuel price hikes or political uncertainties.

The need for a stable and efficient energy source is essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring the effective functioning of healthcare institutions.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several benefits for hospitals and biomedical research centres in Sub-Saharan Africa:

  1. Reliability: Solar energy systems can provide a stable and continuous power supply, reducing the risk of outages and minimizing disruptions to services and research.
  2. Cost-effectiveness: Solar energy systems have significantly reduced in cost over the past decade. This makes it more affordable for healthcare institutions to invest in solar power.
  3. Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly practices.
  4. Scalability: Solar energy systems can be easily expanded to meet the growing demands of hospitals and research centres.
  5. Simplicity and Local Expertise: Solar energy employs simple technology that can be easily maintained and learned by local personnel, reducing dependency on external experts.
  6. High-Quality Energy: Solar power generation is stable and controlled by advanced technology inverters, ensuring a consistent and high-quality energy supply for critical operations.

photovoltaic MRC_Azimut360

When to add Solar PV?

It is important to consider the following factors when deciding when to add solar PV to hospitals and research centres:

  1. Location: Areas with abundant sunshine and minimal shading are ideal for solar PV installations.
  2. Energy demand: Understanding the energy consumption patterns of the institution will help determine the appropriate size of the solar PV system.
  3. Available space: The facility must have enough space for the installation of solar panels and related equipment.
  4. Financial incentives: Governments and organizations may offer incentives, grants, or tax credits for the installation of solar PV systems, making it more affordable. Ask us more to find out current financing opportunities.

When to add Battery Storage?

Battery storage is useful when:

  1. Grid instability is prevalent, and backup power is crucial for maintaining essential services and research activities.
  2. Energy demand fluctuates throughout the day, and the stored energy can be used during peak demand periods.

Enhance the share of renewable energy compared to direct photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption.

Types of Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)

Different chemistries of battery energy storage solutions can be used for hospitals and research centres, including:

  1. Lead-acid batteries: These are a cost-effective option but have a shorter lifespan and lower energy density compared to other battery types.
  2. Lithium-ion batteries: They offer a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and better performance but come at a higher cost.
  3. Flow batteries: These batteries are well-suited for large-scale energy storage and can provide longer discharge durations, but they are more complex and expensive than other options.

Hybridation with the Utility Grid and/or Existing Diesel Gensets

gràfic producció
gràfic producció

Integrating solar PV systems with the utility grid and/or existing diesel gensets allows for a more stable and flexible power supply. Hybrid systems can optimize energy generation and consumption, reducing reliance on diesel fuel and lowering operational costs. These systems can be designed to prioritize solar power,  utilizing grid electricity as a secondary source and resorting to diesel generators only when essential.

Additional uses: Solar Energy for the Production of Medical Oxygen

Medical oxygen is essential in hospitals for various treatments and procedures. In many Sub-Saharan African hospitals, oxygen supplies can be unreliable and costly. Solar energy can be used to power medical oxygen production systems, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution. By harnessing the sun’s energy, hospitals can produce their own oxygen, reducing dependency on external suppliers and ensuring a steady supply for critical healthcare needs.

Solar energy presents a promising solution for hospitals and biomedical research centres in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power source. Assessing the specific needs and circumstances of each institution is crucial in determining the optimal time and method for implementing a solar PV system with or without battery storage or hybridizing with the utility grid or with a genset. By embracing solar energy, healthcare institutions can overcome the challenges of unreliable power supplies and contribute to the long-term development of the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Are you ready to explore the potential of solar energy for your hospital or biomedical research centre in Sub-Saharan Africa? Our team of experts is here to help you assess your needs, design the optimal solution, and provide a techno-economic proposal.

Azimut World: commercial & International area


Inauguració-CDG-Azimut360

Casa de Gaiato and its Commitment to Solar Energy

Casa de Gaiato and its Commitment to Solar Energy

Inauguració-CDG-Azimut360

Savings in electrical costs and Training for the new Generations

In the heart of Mozambique’s Maputo province, Casa do Gaiato (CoG) has been a beacon of social support for rural communities for more than three decades. This non-profit organisation, located in the Boane district, has provided a wide range of vital services, from food to education, to orphaned children and needy families in neighbouring villages. With one of the largest and most successful schools in the region, CoG not only provides primary and secondary education, but also provides child pickup services and social support to families.

However, since its inception, this institution has faced a major challenge: the lack of an affordable and reliable electricity supply. As one of the few entities in the area connected to the national grid, CoG has had to bear high electricity bills and, consequently, a financial burden that has reduced its capacity for self-sufficiency. This situation has forced the organization to increasingly depend on external sources of funding to continue its community activities and projects.

But the problem doesn’t end there. The instability and low quality of the electricity supply have had a direct impact on CoG’s daily operations. From the interruption of activities to the frequent repair or replacement of machinery and appliances, the organization has had to resort to expensive and environmentally unsustainable diesel generators.

energia solar_cdg

This energy crisis is not an isolated CoG problem; It is a reality that affects the entire surrounding community. The need for a clean, affordable and reliable source of electricity was more urgent than ever, not only for the organization, but also for the families who depend on its services.

This initiative aims not only to alleviate the financial burden of the organization by installing a photovoltaic solar system of 42.8 kW and 40 kWh of storage capacity, but also to train the next generation of renewable energy technicians.

The first phase of the project has focused on reducing CoG’s electricity bills, which have been a significant obstacle to its self-sufficiency. With the use of batteries for energy storage, the organization hopes to establish a partially independent power supply, freeing up resources for other community projects.

In a strategic decision that reflects its sensitivity to the needs of the community, Casa do Gaiato (CoG) has chosen to prioritize the residential area in the event of network blackouts. 40 kWh backup batteries are connected exclusively to this area, allowing a longer power supply in critical situations. This choice highlights the humanitarian approach of the organization, which considers the residential area as the most critical compared to the productive area.

To ensure the success of the project, CoG has worked closely with us as an engineering cooperative specialized in renewable energies. Since the award of the contract, both parties have closely monitored the activities carried out by the subcontractor, holding regular biweekly meetings until the completion of the project.

Formació CdG_:Azimut360

But this initiative goes beyond the simple installation of solar panels and batteries. The project in CoG is not only focused on short-term solutions. We understand that the sustainability of the installed system also depends on the training and education of the people who will take care of it. For this reason, an educational component has been incorporated into the project, offering theoretical and practical training  in photovoltaic solar systems to young people who reside in its facilities. This training is not limited to CoG residents; it also extends to young people from neighboring villages, with the assistance of the Fundação Encontro.

That is why we think that the impact of this initiative could be transformative on several levels. This is not only the first project of its kind in the region, but also serves as a model for future programs in the field of renewable energy. Through collaboration with local authorities, CoG and the Fundação Encontro aspire to make this initiative a starting point for a green energy revolution in the community.

That is why the main objectives of the plan are doubly impactful: on the one hand, to provide CoG with a more affordable and sustainable electricity supply, and on the other, to train a new generation of professionals in the field of renewable energies. This is a gamble for the future that could be game-changer not only for CoG, but for the entire region.

formacióenergiasolarCDG

With an estimated annual saving of €3,500 in electricity bills and an educational impact that extends beyond its classrooms, Casa do Gaiato (CoG) is establishing a new paradigm in the use of renewable energies and education in Mozambique. This pioneering project has not only improved the financial sustainability of the organization, but has also opened up new learning avenues and job opportunities for young people in the community.

During the three months since its implementation, the photovoltaic installation has proven to be a resounding success. The annual saving of €3,500 is equivalent to the cost of university studies for three students, a significant contribution to CoG’s self-sufficiency. In addition, the backup system has been crucial in keeping operations uninterrupted, even during network blackouts that previously paralyzed the organization’s activities.

But the project goes beyond numbers. In the words of Arlindo Gabriel Baptista, professor of physics and computer science at CdG, this initiative has enriched the school curriculum, allowing him to introduce discussions on renewable energies in class. Baptista hopes this experience can lead to a vocational training course in photovoltaics at the school.

Rosa Francisco Anakondia, one of the students who participated in the training, reflects the transformative impact of the project. At the age of 24, Rosa has discovered a passion for renewable energy and aspires to a career in this rapidly expanding field. “I learned that it’s never too late to learn something,” says Anakondia, also highlighting her contribution to dismantling gender stereotypes in technical areas.

placasolar_casadogaiato_azimut360

The impact of the project has been so important that work has begun on a 2nd phase of expansion of the photovoltaic installation in the area of La Fazenda, the Casa do Gaiato farm.

With this project, CoG has not only set a new standard in the use of renewable energy, but has also created a replicable model that could be the key to a sustainable energy revolution throughout the region.

Azimut World: international development cooperation area


Mapa-Abidjant-ubicació-web

Acció 2023 Internationalization Programme: opening market in Ivory Coast

Acció's Internationalization Programme of the Generalitat de Catalunya: A Look at Ivory Coast

Mapa-Abidjant-ubicació-web

At the end of July 2023, for the second consecutive year, we have concluded our internationalization project of the Action Program of the Generalitat de Catalunya. A step forward that highlights our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency beyond our borders.

Why Côte d’Ivoire? With the invaluable support of the Acció team, we chose to continue working in Côte d’Ivoire as a strategic destination. Our desire? Bring our photovoltaic solutions to this region, providing a sustainable alternative for its growing energy demand.

Our key objectives in Côte d’Ivoire include:

  1. Market Prospecting: Identify the business sectors with the greatest potential to integrate solar solutions, thus contributing to reducing their energy costs.
  2. Local Collaboration: Find local sales agents, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the Ivorian market.
  3. Funding and Support: Explore grant programs and other local funding opportunities that facilitate the implementation of solar projects.

This day has led us to connect with a total of 25 companies in this region, with whom we had the opportunity to hold face-to-face meetings, thanks to a detailed agenda of visits organized in Abidjan on July 11 and 12.

Final thoughts Although the expected duration of the project was 4 months, our stay was extended in order to deepen the understanding of the Ivorian market. What we have learned gives us a detailed overview of local energy needs and the challenges faced by businesses in this area.

Now, with this experience in hand, we continue to work passionately to drive solar transformation in Côte d’Ivoire. We are convinced that photovoltaic solutions can play a crucial role in this nation’s energy future.

If you want to know more about our projects and our vision for a greener world, keep discovering our projects.

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socomec

Solar Energy for Hospitals & Biomedical Research Centres in Sub-Saharan Africa: When does it make sense?

Solar energy has been growing exponentially worldwide due to its numerous advantages and ability to meet the demands of a growing population. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for reliable power in hospitals and biomedical research centres has become increasingly crucial. This article will explore the reasons behind this need, the benefits of solar energy, and the optimal conditions for implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage solutions (BESS), PV + diesel hybrid systems, and solar-powered medical oxygen production.

Why Hospitals and Biomedical Research Centres?

Hospitals and biomedical research centres play a vital role in the health and well-being of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are responsible for providing critical medical care, conducting life-saving research, and creating a sustainable healthcare infrastructure. As such, they require continuous, reliable, and efficient power to run their operations and support their mission.

The Need for a Reliable Power Supply

The lack of a reliable power supply in Sub-Saharan Africa poses significant challenges to hospitals and research centres. Frequent power outages disrupt essential services, equipment, and research. This can lead to the loss of valuable data, life-threatening delays in care, and increased operational costs. The need for a stable and efficient energy source is essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring the effective functioning of healthcare institutions.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several benefits for hospitals and biomedical research centres in Sub-Saharan Africa:

  1. Reliability: Solar energy systems can provide a stable and continuous power supply, reducing the risk of outages and minimizing disruptions to services and research.
  2. Cost-effectiveness: Solar energy systems have significantly reduced in cost over the past decade. This makes it more affordable for healthcare institutions to invest in solar power.
  3. Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly practices.
  4. Scalability: Solar energy systems can be easily expanded to meet the growing demands of hospitals and research centres.

When to add Solar PV?

It is important to consider the following factors when deciding when to add solar PV to hospitals and research centres:

  1. Location: Areas with abundant sunshine and minimal shading are ideal for solar PV installations.
  2. Energy demand: Understanding the energy consumption patterns of the institution will help determine the appropriate size of the solar PV system.
  3. Available space: The facility must have enough space for the installation of solar panels and related equipment.

Financial incentives: Governments and organizations may offer incentives, grants, or tax credits for the installation of solar PV systems, making it more affordable. Ask us more to find out current financing opportunities.

When to add Battery Storage?

Battery storage is useful when:

  1. Grid instability is prevalent, and backup power is crucial for maintaining essential services and research activities.
  2. Energy demand fluctuates throughout the day, and the stored energy can be used during peak demand periods.
  3. There are plans to expand the solar PV system in the future, and additional storage capacity will be needed.

Types of Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)

Different chemistries of battery energy storage solutions can be used for hospitals and research centres, including:

  1. Lead-acid batteries: These are a cost-effective option but have a shorter lifespan and lower energy density compared to other battery types.
  2. Lithium-ion batteries: They offer a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and better performance but come at a higher cost.
  3. Flow batteries: These batteries are well-suited for large-scale energy storage and can provide longer discharge durations, but they are more complex and expensive than other options.

Hybridation with the Utility Grid and/or Existing Diesel Gensets

Integrating solar PV systems with the utility grid and/or existing diesel gensets allows for a more stable and flexible power supply. Hybrid systems can optimize energy generation and consumption, reducing reliance on diesel fuel and lowering operational costs. These systems can be designed to prioritize solar power, using grid electricity or diesel generators only when necessary.

oxigen-pacients

Additional uses: Solar Energy for the Production of Medical Oxygen

Medical oxygen is essential in hospitals for various treatments and procedures. In many Sub-Saharan African hospitals, oxygen supplies can be unreliable and costly. Solar energy can be used to power medical oxygen production systems, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution. By harnessing the sun’s energy, hospitals can produce their own oxygen, reducing dependency on external suppliers and ensuring a steady supply for critical healthcare needs.

 

Solar energy presents a promising solution for hospitals and biomedical research centres in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power source.

Assessing the specific needs and circumstances of each institution is crucial in determining the optimal time and method for implementing a solar PV system with or without battery storage or hybridizing with the utility grid or with a genset. By embracing solar energy, healthcare institutions can overcome the challenges of unreliable power supplies and contribute to the long-term development of the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Are you ready to explore the potential of solar energy for your hospital or biomedical research centre in Sub-Saharan Africa? Our team of experts is here to help you assess your needs, design the optimal solution, and provide a techno-economic proposal.

Contact us today to start your journey towards a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy future!

Marcos Morales

Marcos Morales

Head of Commercial & International Projects

Azimut World

marcos.morales@azimut360.coop


Sala espera dones hospital

Bouaké: from energy poverty to health

From energy poverty to Health care: the role of renewable energy in improving healthcare in Bouaké.

As part of the ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global climate emergency, the #KotiakróA360 project has been launched. This project is being led by our engineer, Maria Vivancos, and has received funding from the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD). The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the provision of healthcare services at the Health Center and Maternity Ward located in the Kottiakoffikro neighbourhood of Bouaké city in Ivory Coast.

During the intervention in the area, a photovoltaic generation system has been implemented, which has ensured the availability of electricity 24 hours a day and improved the energy efficiency of the impacted center. It should be noted that in many areas of Africa, the general electricity network is unstable and causes frequent power outages.

This often results in hospitals or health centers being left in the dark while consultations, surgeries, etc. are being carried out, or medical equipment deteriorating due to poor quality of the network.

Additionally, the intervened infrastructure benefits from energy savings by consuming less energy from the grid.

The implementation of solar panels enables the stabilization of electrical supply and ensures its availability, which provides a substantial improvement in the service and provision of healthcare, as well as the lifespan of medical equipment, by minimizing network failures.

In the first phase of the project, our project manager and engineer worked with local technicians to install a photovoltaic system that ensured the availability of locally-produced electrical energy from renewable sources. During the process, the technicians were trained in maintaining the solar plant, promoting maximum local autonomy possible. Moreover, this installation has also enabled the availability of locally-produced medical oxygen with concentrators.

Oxygen is an essential medicine for the management of childbirth and the treatment of childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, or sepsis, which are prevalent in the intervention area. Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic, oxygen became even more critical for health centers and hospitals such as Kotiakró, which was designated by the Ministry of Health as a center for the isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients. At that time, during the pandemic, it was anticipated that, while the majority of treated patients presented mild symptoms, 14% would require oxygen in the hospital, and 5% would require mechanical ventilation in intensive care. Therefore, the availability of medical oxygen became a vital issue to ensure the health and well-being of the population.

The installation of 3 concentrators has allowed the hospital to have guaranteed access to medical oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to meet the needs for medical oxygen, which were previously not guaranteed.

As explained by Eugène Kra Kouassi, President of AIP, and Assé Kouadio Innocent, Director of the Pediatrics Department at the CHU (University Hospital Center), in the documentary you can watch, prior to the intervention, there were no public hospitals in the area that could administer continuous oxygen. Before the project, the only healthcare center in the city with oxygen availability was the CHU. However, the supply was not guaranteed, as it was provided through cylinders that were filled at centralized plants in Abiyán, which is a 5-hour drive from Bouaké.

Indeed, due to the lack of availability of continuous oxygen supply in Bouaké, patients would have to be transferred to the hospital in Yamoussoukro. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to find alternatives for the supply of medical oxygen in Bouaké.

If someone outside the city needed this treatment, they often had to travel more than 40 km to reach the CHU in Bouaké. Many times they arrived and there was no oxygen available in the cylinders.

In addition to the installation of the oxygen concentrators, technical and healthcare personnel were trained on the proper use of the equipment and improved patient care. The project not only includes the technical aspects related to the installations, but also aims to approach healthcare and health improvement through the sensibilisation of the local population near the Kotiakró Health Center, through the training of women’s groups in different villages and neighborhoods.

Throughout the different phases of the project, informative sessions on sexual and maternal-infant rights have been carried out with the aim of improving women’s health and the overall health of the community. These sessions provide knowledge and tools to promote sexual health from a rights-based approach focused on the well-being of individuals.

We work on projects like this because we believe that access to energy improves access to other rights such as the right to good healthcare or the right to education. Although the intervention in the area has already been completed, we are waiting to obtain results and assess the impact of the project on improving healthcare, both in terms of equipment, healthcare personnel, and beneficiaries.

Maria Vivancos

Maria Vivancos

Head of Cooperation & Oxygen Area

Azimut World

maria.vivancos@azimut360.coop


Tecnics-formació-aecid22

Technical advice on standardizing processes for creating micro-networks in rural areas in Mozambique

Technical advice on standardizing processes for creating micro-networks in rural areas in Mozambique.

According to World Bank sources, in 2020 only 30.6% Mozambique’s population had access to electricity. The great challenge facing the country is its total electrification by 2030, especially of rural areas that are far from the grid.

FUNAE is the main public body in charge of electrifying the most remote and isolated areas, mostly with the implementation of micro-grids powered by renewable energy (solar photovoltaic and hydraulic). Currently, tools are needed to build and maintain the mini grids and guarantee quality standards.

In this context, our engineer and head of international area @MarcosMorales has given training to provide process-standardization tools for designing and implementing micro-grids that will provide electricity in rural areas.

This technical assistance is provided for FUNAE as part of a project led by our colleagues @Aiguasol, which also proposes the design of a digital tool to control and monitor micro-grid data as part of the DigutalEnergy Challenge for Utilities 2022 competition.