Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future

The Project

In Benin, the energy supply is still largely dependent on electricity from the neighbouring country of Nigeria. More than half of the required electricity is imported, which frequently causes power outages. Hospitals and health centres, in particular, suffer from this unreliable power supply, sometimes resulting in life-threatening situations. Water pumps, essential for drinking water and irrigation, also stop working when the power goes out.

To reduce this vulnerable dependence on conventional energy from the Société Béninoise de l’Energie Electrique (SBEE), the Foundation invests in sustainable solutions such as solar energy. Hospitals must always remain operational, even during power outages.

Objectives

Through green energy projects, we aim to provide our partner organizations with a reliable and continuous power supply so they can continue their essential work without disruption.

Project Description

We have already successfully completed several solar energy projects:

• Solar-powered pumps for wells and irrigation systems at our training farm in Sokounon.
• Solar-powered pumps for community gardens.
• Solar panels for the Saint-Jean-de-Dieu Hospital in Boko.
• Solar panels for the Foundation’s headquarters.
• Solar panels for the Ariziki incubation centre.

We also regularly organize training sessions on installing and maintaining solar panels.

At the Saint-Jean-de-Dieu Hospital in Boko, we installed 45 solar panels that provide stable power for departments such as paediatrics, maternity, emergency care, and the laboratory. The installation generates more than 50 kilowatts per month, making the hospital less reliant on the national grid (SBEE). During power outages, the system automatically switches to solar energy. At certain times, the hospital runs entirely on solar energy.

We also installed 12 solar panels at the Ariziki incubation centre, where they serve as the primary energy source. The regular SBEE power supply is only used as a backup during maintenance work. This installation also served as a training platform for young people to learn how to install solar energy systems.

Results and Progress

Thanks to our solar energy projects, the power supply at both the Saint-Jean-de-Dieu Hospital and the Ariziki incubation centre has been secured. Our solar panels provide sustainable energy and reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on conventional energy sources.

Additionally, by training of young people, we have contributed to creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

We aim to expand this project to more hospitals, medical centres, and communities, especially in regions not yet connected to the national grid. This is a significant challenge but essential for improving care and services.

Partners.

Energie Assistance
Humasol