Swiss Partners
Offgrid.ch, Grimentz
www.offgrid.ch
Pablo Muño
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Documentation
Swiss Contribution
Offgrid is an engineering company specialized in energy issues, with a major focus on autonomous off-grid systems, powered by renewable energies. The company attaches great importance to its implementation and operation of robust and reliable systems. Offgrid has many years of experience in the fields of hybrid photovoltaic systems, energy storage, power electronics and automation.
Description
As part of this project, Offgrid has joined with specialist partner companies, such as Studer Innotec SA, Trama Tecno Ambiental (TTA), the NGO TESE, and SESMA Kenya Ltd in Hurri Hills, in creating a photovoltaic-powered village network with a small business development center. The project approach has been demand-driven while aiming to connect private households to the mini-grid, to build a local value chain and to improve local livelihoods by creating new income opportunities.
The innovative monitoring platform continuously provides users and operators with information on energy availability and current kWh costs, with the goals of keeping energy costs low by optimizing energy storage and energy management.
Results
Companies have been obtaining higher revenues through improved services and longer working hours. Contrary to what villagers have seen in other mini-grids in the area, the Hurri Hills mini-grid is not undersized and can supply as much electricity as needed, while still maintaining capacity even with strong demand growth over the next five to seven years.
Impacts
The fact that there are no power outages or energy rationing is greatly appreciated by the community. Another important impact reported by community members is the almost total reduction in crime, due to the presence of streetlights.