Discover the Daily Science Newsletter: Your Source for Innovation and Insights đź’ˇ
Stay informed with daily updates on scientific breakthroughs, innovative discoveries, and practical DIY tips delivered every weekday.
Nestled along Senegal’s southern frontier is the quaint village of Keur Niangane, home to approximately 1,200 residents. This remote settlement is situated in an arid region, several hours from Dakar, the nation’s bustling capital. To the north lies the winding Gambia River, which meanders out to the Atlantic Ocean, forming a natural border and vital waterway.
Historically, access to electricity in Keur Niangane was virtually nonexistent-until recent developments changed the landscape. Thanks to a collaboration between ChargePoint and Africa GreenTec, a pioneering “Solartainer” now supplies power to this isolated community. This innovative microgrid, housed within a standard shipping container, is equipped with 144 solar panels and robust battery storage, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy source for the village.
Consider the challenges faced by communities with unreliable power. In many parts of the United States, stable electricity is a given, and outages are met with concern. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American households consume an average of 920 kWh of electricity each month, with energy use fluctuating based on season, time of day, and household size. During summer months, air conditioning drives up consumption, while everyday appliances like refrigerators, coffee makers, and Wi-Fi routers account for nearly two-thirds of household energy use. Power interruptions, even brief ones, can disrupt daily life significantly.
Harnessing Solar Power for a Cleaner Future
Before the installation of the Solartainer, Keur Niangane lacked access to centralized electricity or public lighting. According to Dr. Wolfgang Rams, CEO of Africa GreenTec, residents relied on candles, kerosene lamps, or small-scale solar home systems-none of which provided sufficient power for productive activities. Diesel generators were the primary source of electricity for local businesses, but these were costly, noisy, and environmentally harmful, with risks of fuel shortages and mechanical failures.
The International Energy Agency’s 2020 report revealed that nearly 70% of Senegal’s population was connected to the national grid. However, Rams notes that while many residents aspire for reliable, clean energy to foster development, extending the grid to remote villages like Keur Niangane is often prohibitively expensive due to the extensive infrastructure required for long-distance transmission.
“Decentralized solutions like the Solartainer offer a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable alternative,” Rams explains to Popular Science.
With the solar system operational, Keur Niangane now benefits from a clean, renewable energy source. This power enables small businesses to operate machinery, expand their services, and increase income, thereby creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economic growth. Additionally, trained technicians are employed to maintain and service the system, which requires minimal upkeep.
“Reliable energy access is fundamental to community development-it sparks entrepreneurship, unlocks new opportunities, and elevates the entire village,” Rams emphasizes.
Funding Through Carbon Credits and Sustainable Investment
The Africa GreenTec project evaluates potential sites based on factors such as population density, proximity to existing energy infrastructure, and accessibility. Keur Niangane is among 54 villages selected under a government-led rural electrification initiative focused on renewable energy solutions.
Funding for this project was partly generated through the sale of carbon credits on the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). ChargePoint leveraged revenue from its network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Germany-where each charge generates tradable credits-to finance the installation of the Solartainer in Senegal. This approach exemplifies how environmental markets can support sustainable development in underserved regions.
“Companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint can purchase these credits to offset emissions,” explains Andreas Blin, ChargePoint’s Senior Solution Partner. “For every EV charge in Europe, the company earns credits, which can then be reinvested into projects like Keur Niangane’s solar microgrid.” Blin adds that ChargePoint’s long-term vision is to continue generating and selling credits, ensuring ongoing support for similar initiatives worldwide.
Currently, the village’s solar array has a capacity of 56 kWp, powering a five-kilometer mini-grid that supplies electricity to 1,207 residents across 149 households. The project also installed 55 solar-powered streetlights, significantly enhancing safety, extending productive hours after sunset, and improving overall quality of life.
