The power management solutions company Eaton will supply power distribution equipment and electrical engineering services for a 5 MW solar microgrid in the Annobon Province, an island off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. Diesel-powered generators historically have been used to generate electricity there. Only about five hours a day of electricity are available using diesel power.
“The modern microgrid being applied in the Annobon Province will serve as a model for bringing reliable and cost-effective electrical power to other remote communities, helping to advance their economies and quality of life,” said Frank Campbell, president, Electrical Sector, EMEA, Eaton.
The solar microgrid has been designed to have battery storage, so it could generate electricity with solar panels and store it. The idea is that then there could be electricity available 24 hours a day and every day. Currently, residents spend about 15 to 20 percent of their money on power.
MAECI Solar, a division of Management and Economics Consulting, contracted Eaton to assist the project. Wise Power Systems is collaborating with MACEI Solar on solar module construction, system design, and racking.
“The Annobon Electrification Project will bring a much-needed stable, reliable, and consistent power supply to the island, and enable the development of multiple industries, bringing valuable jobs and significantly raising the standard of living,” explained William Rawheiser, president of Wise Power Systems International.
It has been reported that about 20 local technicians will be trained to operate the solar panel system, microgrid and energy storage equipment.
Two infrastructure projects were implemented to help reduce poverty there. One was an expansion of the airport to make it safer for planes and the other was augmentation of the port to improve shipping.
Equatorial Guinea has made a great deal of money selling oil, but that wealth has not been equally distributed. More than half the population is living on one US dollar a day.
The number of residents on the island is about 20,000. The main industries are fishing and timber. A Portuguese creole is the main language spoken there.
Image: Russavia
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