Solarcentury brings solar power to 40,000 Eritreans
Solarcentury is pleased to announce the completion and commissioning of two solar-hybrid mini grids, bringing power to the rural communities of Areza and Maidma in Eritrea
Eritrea. 26 March 2019: Solarcentury, the global integrated solar power company with operations across Europe, Latin America and Africa, is pleased to announce the completion and commissioning of two solar-hybrid mini grids, bringing power to the rural communities of Areza and Maidma in Eritrea in east Africa.
This project is a state-of-the-art hybrid power system, combining solar photovoltaics with lithium batteries and backup diesel generators in a location remote from the country’s power grid. The system integrates world-class technologies, including Tesla batteries and Caterpillar generators.
Construction of the project took 8 months, employing local contractors and consultants working with Solarcentury project managers, as well as international contractors. After final completion the site will be operated by the Eritrean Electricity Company – whose staff have received extensive training by Solarcentury and are now closely involved in site operations.
The 1.25 MWp system in Areza and 1 MWp in Maidma are mini-grids, providing grid-quality power to 40,000 people and businesses where there is no main grid power. These communities were previously served by small diesel generators which are environmentally damaging, costly to run, and only able to provide limited power. The solar mini-grids provide clean, stable power 24/7.
The project was funded by the Eritrean Government with support from the European Union Delegation to the State of Eritrea and the United Nations Development Programme.
Solarcentury project manager, Theo Guerre-Canon, commented:
“The community are at the heart of this project. Our hope is that access to reliable electricity will support wider economic growth in the region, and social development. For example, there’s a clinic in Areza that will now benefit from uninterrupted electricity.
“The Eritrean project presents a model for rural electrification, and Solarcentury is in discussions about similar projects across Africa.”
Tesfai Ghebrehiwet, Director of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mines, added:
“Solarcentury were very focused, and kept the project progressing at a quick pace in remote conditions. The Ministry of Energy and Mines are very pleased with the process and results.”
Read the original 2017 release announcing the project here.
Contact
MHP Communications
Nick Collins / Isobel Knight / Luke Briggs
+44 (0)20 128 8100
solarcentury@mhpc.com
Notes to editors
In November 2020 Solarcentury joined forces with Statkraft – read the press release here www.solarcentury.com/statkraft-acquires-solarcentury
About Solarcentury: Established in 1998, Solarcentury is a leading global solar power company that develops, constructs, owns and operates utility-scale solar and smart technology. Solarcentury is known internationally for developing and building some of the largest utility-scale solar projects in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Kenya and Mexico, including pioneering projects such as the world’s first solar bridge at Blackfriars Station in Central London.
Solarcentury’s mission is to make a meaningful difference in the global fight against climate chaos by making solar power the dominant energy source worldwide. During Solarcentury’s 22-year history the business has helped solar power become mainstream, and our projects have generated 6 billion kWh of clean electricity, saving over 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
About Statkraft: Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has 4,000 employees in 17 countries. www.statkraft.com
Solarcentury’s press office is available at PR@solarcentury.com.
