The pilot projects realised by the CIREG partners intended to provide an incentive for future imitation. The local project partner WASCAL will continue to supervise the project to develop business models and enable self-administration together with the villagers. These business models are based on so-called 'willingness-to-pay' studies conducted by social scientists. The experience gained in such pilot projects represents a valuable contribution to future projects.
Solarpanels and hydropower in Gbandidi, Togo
Since December 2021, the village on the Mono River generates its own renewable electricity. An interdisciplinary CIREG team visited the villagers twice to find out what kind of electricity use could help improve their quality of life. Subsequently, the team chose to construct a hybrid system in Togo consisting of solar panels and a floating micro hydropower turbine with a combined capacity of 10 kWh and using environmentally friendly saltwater battery storage. The solar panels were installed on the roof above the containers creating a shady spot for villagers to charge their mobile phones, drink chilled beverages or meet friends from neighbouring villages and watch TV. Electricity generation and use are digitally recorded, thus contributing to improved planning of future projects and climate services in the context of renewable energies.
Source: CIREG/Liersch/Niger
Solarpanels in Bonkoukou, Niger
The CIREG project completed a solar-powered groundwater pumping and storage system in Niger in 2020. The water quality of the shallow groundwater aquifer in Bonkoukou has reached a critical status. To supply the inhabitants with clean water for domestic and irrigation purposes, the solar-powered system now pumps groundwater from a depth of 80 meters into a water tower, from where it is distributed into a supply system. Electricity is also generated to charge mobile phones, cool beverages, and to power a TV. The community business model is based on affordable prices for electricity and per gallon of clean water, which were estimated based on a willingness-to-pay study.