US firm Aquion Energy has supplied two 106kWh salt water batteries to replace a diesel generator at an African project.
The off-grid microgrid will consist of two separate systems, both storing energy from 37 kW solar arrays, at the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya, East Africa.
The microgrid design , the brainchild of SolarAfrica, will use Aquion’s Aspen batteries, which offer up to a 20-hour cycle range and are operable from -5 to 40°C.
Lodges at the conservancy have traditionally used diesel generators, often alongside lead-acid batteries.
Dr. Kobus van Tonder, Project Manager of SolarAfrica, said: “The outcome of this project has made many significant changes to the way we use energy and how we perceive it.
“Battery technology is constantly evolving. This project created a lot of interest among tour operators and investors alike.”
Loisaba expects to reduce diesel consumption by 95% and save 53 tons of CO2 per year, said Tonder.
The project marks the first deployment of the Aquion Aqueous Hybrid Ion technology in Africa.
This is SolarAfrica’s second successful Power Purchase Agreement for off-grid systems in Kenya, with a third situated in South Africa, operating as Singita Camp in the Kruger National Park.
