Empowered by Light installed solar power systems in Nepal. (Image Credit: Empowered by Light)
There is potential when it comes to recycling old EV batteries for microgrid applications. In a video posted by Leilani Münter on Twitter, Empowered by Light (EBL) gave another life to lithium-ion batteries from an electric bus in China. Their mission is to provide solar power for Mugurameno Basic, a rural school in Western Zambia. The school is expected to receive free electricity for lighting. Other community members can connect their homes to the system for inexpensive services, including cellphone charging, TVs, radio, refrigeration, and lighting.
The school, which had no running water or electricity until now, serves seven villages with almost 600 students. Back in 2016, EBL extended subterranean lines to teacher and community member homes. This helps to pay for the maintenance and functionality of the microgrid.
EBL received these lithium-ion batteries from a partnership with BlueVolt Energy, a Sydney-based startup. During battery installation, a group of children began celebrating by dancing and playing, which can be seen in the video. McKinsey & Company said: “Used EV batteries can perform sufficiently to serve less demanding applications such as stationary energy storage services.”
A teacher interviewed in the video said: “It has really helped me. I first came here in 2015. It was to store fresh food, and after the power came, it has helped us very much. We are able to store fresh food. And the lighting! It has really helped us a lot in that area, and we are grateful.”
They went on to explain how it helps the students. “We have computer studies at the school, which requires computers. So it has really helped the school children because they are able to practice using the power that the microgrid is supplying to the school, and it really helps.”
According to Empowered by Light, 1.5 billion people worldwide have no electricity, with 87% residing in rural areas. The charity’s work began in Zambia in 2011, when it provided light and solar power to the most remote schools. Moreover, EBL assisted communities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas by offering clean energy instead of fossil fuels. It has also helped women start solar businesses and provided light to schoolchildren for nighttime studies. The charity is ambitious toward empowering communities to create healthier, sustainable, and more prosperous futures.
In 2016, EBL expanded its operations and partnerships, allowing power systems to be installed in various countries, which include Brazil, Nepal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
EBL deployed two off-grid solar panel systems at two ranger stations in Chitwan National Part in Nepal. The systems power monitoring and communication systems, which help protect the single-horned Asiatic rhinos and Bengal Tigers against illegal poaching. Tourist towers were also given solar power to increase the park’s revenue for protection and restoration.
Have a story tip? Message me at: http://twitter.com/Cabe_Atwell