EM-ONE transforms aging power infrastructure in Africa into decentralized, decarbonized and digital energy systems, one solar microgrid at a time
EM-ONE, a Canadian-Nigerian engineering, technology and consulting firm, delivers sustainable energy to West Africa. They built the EM-BOX, a turnkey microgrids solution to address their fundamental belief that access to modern, affordable and sustainable power is a basic human right. In 2019, EM-ONE deployed the EM-BOX to 13 off-grid rural hospitals in Nigeria. The containerized solar microgrids power the health centers’ critical functions such as lighting, X-ray machines and water pumping, improving the lives of the local residents.
Challenges
Africa’s power sector struggles with an unreliable electricity grid, which results in intermittent access, disrupted day-to-day productivity and stagnated long-term economic growth. Rural parts of the continent bear the brunt of this burden that severely affects their opportunities for development.
With these challenges in mind, EM-ONE designed a customized solution that would address the environmental and social challenges in Africa with the EM-BOX.
EM-ONE wanted to ensure that their solution is equipped with tier-1 products to reduces the long-term operation and maintenance costs. EM-ONE selected Schneider Electric’s solar inverters and charge controllers for their robust and rugged system that withstands the harsh environment. Schneider Electric’s track record in Africa was another reason why EM-ONE chose Schneider Electric over other competitors.
In late 2019, EM-ONE, in partnership with UK Aid and the EU, has commissioned 13 off-grid containerized solar microgrids that power primary health centers across Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Solution
In this project, EM-ONE deployed 13 systems (8 DC coupled and 5 AC-coupled), using the following Schneider Electric solutions:
- Conext™ CL 25E PV Inverters
- Conext™ XW+ 8548 E Storage Inverters
- Conext™ MPPT 80 600 Charge Controllers
Results
Schneider Electric’s technologies enable EM-ONE and the hospitals to run their systems smoothly and without interruptions. Eliminating the chance of power failure allows hospitals and clinics to continuously provide services to thousands of beneficiaries, ultimately improving health and education outcomes in Nigeria.
The 13 systems will generate over 1,300 MWh of energy annually, offset over 520,000 liters of diesel, and reduce nearly 1,400 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
“Addressing Africa’s energy demand gap is an enormous opportunity for companies who believe in providing innovative and best-in-class solutions that are robust and resilient. Schneider Electric, our valued partner, shares this vision and their technologies continuously demonstrate their standard of excellence.”
— Mir Islam, CEO of EM-ONE Energy Solutions
