Lead batteries deliver clean energy for communities in Africa

ILA member Systems Sunlight is helping deliver affordable and reliable power for communities in rural Africa.

The company is working closely with African and European partners to develop and install micro-grid solutions in Sierra Leone, working with the government on energy projects which aims to strengthen energy infrastructure in these areas, improving essential services for over 346,000 residents.

The drive to support clean energy emerged as part of government recovery efforts in response to the devastating impact of the 2014 Ebola outbreak when almost 4,000 people lost their lives.

The first phase of the four-year project involved installing lead-battery supported solar energy in 54 community health centres across 12 districts of Sierra Leone and were successfully completed in July 2017.

The second phase widens access to electricity across communities in houses, schools and businesses in 50 rural villages, expanding the existing health centre solar power stations and installing distribution networks throughout each village – creating independent mini-grids.

Sunlight has supplied more than 2,200 lead batteries supporting a hybrid system of 90 mini grids, powered with renewable energy, for the electrification of these 50 communities. The team provided technical assistance to the Energy Procurement and Construction (EPC) company regarding technical details about the batteries.

The work has ensured that local health centres have a reliable power supply, meaning that patients and medical staff still have access to light in the evening.

PV powered micro-grids, supported by batteries, are essential to meet the rural electrification needs of Africa and worldwide.

Note: this article is an abridged version of a piece published to RECHARGE.