Swiss Partners
Antenna Foundation, Geneva
www.antenna.ch
Joël Jeanloz
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Documentation
Swiss Contribution
The Antenna Foundation has over 30 years of experience in development cooperation and has created affordable photovoltaic applications, suitable business and financing models, well-functioning distribution systems, as well as other projects. African Solar Generation ASG, a Swiss-Cameroonian company with many years of experience, is the partner company in Cameroon.
Description
Autonomous photovoltaic systems with battery storage are already widespread in developing and emerging countries. However, lead or lithium batteries are usually used with these systems. Such batteries’ operating conditions are very demanding; often with high temperatures and humidity, which frequently lead to negative effects on service life. At the same time, many regions lack functioning e‑waste management and recycling systems for these technical components.
Within this pilot project’s framework, innovative, environmentally friendly and robust salt battery storage systems from the Swiss company Innovenergy are being used. These storage systems have already proven themselves in a wide range of applications. This project will provide important, collective operating experience for further dissemination of this technology in demanding climatic conditions.
Results
A 61kWp photovoltaic system was built and is now in operation. Specific training could take place. Great general interest was shown towards the salt battery technology. A small hospital as well as a farm could be electrified and the Don Bosco Association is planning to use salt batteries in Ghana.
Impacts
The installation replaces around 17 000 kWh of power, initially produced by a diesel generator. This corresponds to an equivalent of 17tCO2 saved per year. Part of the electricity formerly purchased from the network has been substituted by the local installation. In total, 140 people are benefiting from this reliable electricity source. Until the end of the project in 2022, 8 additional salt batteries were used in other projects. Finally, batteries had also been ordered for other installations in Cameroun, Niger, Togo, Burkina Faso and in Benin.