Lighting up lives
Solar Energy Systems are revolutionizing community life
Ethiopia's Solar Revolution: Powering Villages, Changing Lives
In August 2024, BOS and its partners successfully completed the electrification of Oborso East, one of five villages in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, as part of our mission to deliver sustainable and renewable energy. This milestone was achieved through a collaborative effort between BOS Balance of Storage Systems AG, our local partner Green Scene, and GIZ, under the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES), supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
See how the Energy System impacts the life of Oborso’s citizens:
The Challenge: From Diesel Generators to Clean Energy
Before this project, the 900 households in Oborso East relied on noisy diesel generators and kerosene lamps for power. These sources were not only unreliable but also hazardous, contributing to fire risks and harmful air pollution. The lack of stable electricity hindered progress and limited opportunities for growth.
The solution: Off-Grid Solar Power
Our innovative energy solution comprises a 200 kWp solar system coupled with 400 kWh of lithium battery storage. This setup provides 24/7 independent energy, enabling a reliable power supply for homes, shops, and community facilities. The system is future-proofed to integrate with diesel generators or Ethiopia’s utility grid when required.
To ensure a seamless installation, key components were assembled and tested in Germany before being transported to Ethiopia. In Oborso East, we overcame logistical and terrain challenges, such as leveling the hilly ground for solar panels, while navigating the country’s regulatory framework for renewable energy.
A local café in Oborso East
The Benefits: A Brighter, Greener Future
The impact on Oborso East has been life-changing. The village now enjoys:
- Safe and reliable energy for all households.
- Improved livelihoods with powered shops and cafés offering cooling and ventilation systems.
- Healthier environments as harmful diesel fumes and kerosene lamps are replaced by clean solar energy.
- A reduction of 166 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting global climate goals.
Change that matters
This project demonstrates the potential of off-grid solar energy to drive progress in rural communities. By replacing traditional energy sources with clean, renewable power, we’re fostering economic growth, improving living conditions, and protecting the environment.
Oborso East, Ethiopia
Offgrid | Communities
200 kWp of solar PV
100 kVA of Inverter Power
412 MWh installed lithium capacity
German Energy Agency (dena)
The German Energy Agency (dena) is a centre of excellence for the applied energy transition and climate protection. dena studies the challenges of building a climate-neutral society and supports the German government in achieving its energy and climate policy objectives. Since its foundation in 2000, dena has worked to develop and implement solutions and bring together national and international partners from politics, industry, the scientific community and all parts of society. dena is a project enterprise and a public company owned by the German federal government. dena’s shareholder is the Federal Republic of Germany.
German Energy Solutions Initiative
With the aim of positioning German technologies and know-how worldwide, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) supports suppliers of climate-friendly energy solutions in opening up foreign markets. The focus lies on renewable energies, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage, as well as technologies such as power-to-gas and fuel cells. Aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises, the German Energy Solutions Initiative supports participants through measures to prepare market entry as well as to prospect, develop and secure new markets.
Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES Programme)
With the RES programme, the Energy Export Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) helps German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany.
The RES
Project Ethiopia is
supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate
Action as part of the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme of the German Energy
Solutions Initiative.
Finding synergies for energy
Do you have interesting projects in the field of Off-Grid or rural electrification or would you like to discuss a possible project partnership with BOS? Get in touch with BOS’ project managers via the contact form to further global electrification efforts together.
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