July
2017
Press release / Pressemitteilung / Communiqué de presse / PM05-2017
Contuboel’s local community in strong need for affordable electricity access
SOLAR23 successfully commissioned off-grid PV Power Plant in Guinea-Bissau
In June 2016 Foundation Rural Energy Services (FRES) awarded the contract for the supply, delivery and commissioning of a 106 kWp solar power plant in Contuboel village, Guinea Bissau, - with financial assistance from OFID’s Energy Poverty Operations and the European Commission’s ACP-EU Facility Energy 10th EDF grant - to turnkey solution provider SOLAR23. Known for its professional and high quality approach, SOLAR23 passed the strict screening and selection criteria and finalized the project in March of this year.
For centuries West Africa‘s Guinea-Bissau was part of the Portuguese Empire. Once hailed as a potential model for African development, the country is now one of the poorest countries in the world. Sustainable renewable energies, such as solar photovoltaic are the only solution to support the population with affordable access to electricity, which will directly have a positive social and economic impact for the community.
After several years of operations in Mali, FRES has gained valuable lessons and experience in optimising the technical and financial performance of its mini-grid operations. Therefore, it has decided to expand its mini-grid operations to Guinea-Bissau. After reviewing tenders subject to strict parameters of selection regarding relevant experience, financial health and price-quality ratio, FRES has awarded the manufacturer independent company SOLAR23 to supply, deliver and commission a 106 kWp solar power plant in Contuboel village. The contract also included a training programme for local technicians for ongoing operation and maintenance of the solar power plant.
The contract stipulated that all goods must originate in a member state of the European Union. A matter of course for SOLAR23 and its philosophy, striving for the highest quality by using first class components from reputable German and European manufacturers.
The 106 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant has been interconnected into a mini-grid in Contuboel village and will generate nearly 200.000 kWh per year. After grid extension the project will supply 440 households, businesses and a community centre with electricity.
Project Manager and responsible at SOLAR23; Florian Brandl: “Especially with regards to the system design and installation of the battery storage system in the technical building this is one of the most perfect and successful projects we have been able to realize recently. We are pleased that we have been able to meet the strict selection criteria set by FRES and feel privileged to thus be part of this necessary development project in Guinea Bissau.”