{"id":26414,"date":"2023-06-16T09:59:32","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T07:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.victronenergy.com\/blog\/?p=26414"},"modified":"2023-06-20T10:15:21","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T08:15:21","slug":"electriciens-sans-frontieres-empowering-remote-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.victronenergy.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/16\/electriciens-sans-frontieres-empowering-remote-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Electriciens sans fronti\u00e8res – empowering remote communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electriciens sans fronti\u00e8res<\/a> are a non-governmental organisation who have been working around the world since 1986 to provide the two essential conditions to eradicating poverty in remote communities: access to water and electricity.<\/p>\n

With those fundamental utilities in place, communities can help themselves to improve health and build prosperity through education and employment.<\/p>\n

With the support of 1,200 volunteers and in partnership with local actors, ESF promote economic and human development by using renewable energy.<\/p>\n

Caf\u00e9 Lumi\u00e8re<\/h4>\n

Their initiative known as Caf\u00e9 Lumi\u00e8re<\/em> is a project which brings reliable solar-based industrial-scale power to the heart of remote communities. It allows commercial development and, of course, personal leisure energy use for the first time. Last month the programme which already has six installations in other nations, achieved its first infrastructure in Benin.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit \u00a9MCA<\/p><\/div>\n

Ultimately, four Caf\u00e9s Lumi\u00e8re will meet the energy needs of the entire population (public services, entrepreneurs and residents) of the villages of Tchinakomey, Djekp\u00e9, Affio and Honou\u00e9 located on Lake Nokou\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Caf\u00e9s Lumi\u00e8re provides work opportunities for families who – owing to commercial constraints – will never otherwise be provided with grid electricity. Lithium-Battery energy-storage of 30kWh ensure that power is available on demand 24 hours\/day.<\/p>\n

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<\/div><\/a> Photo Credit \u00a9MCA<\/p><\/div>\n

Electricity is made available alongside social facilities in easily accessible village-centre locations. Reliable electricity dynamically changes the economy of families who are now able to buy the energy which allows them to perform their work at scale, earn money, and raise their living standard. It also allows for the provision of improved healthcare and education.<\/p>\n

This basic infrastructure is the foundation of a local economy where entrepreneurship was previously not possible. Commercial success for ‘makers’ goes on to provide immediate benefits for other community members.<\/p>\n

One such entrepreneur – Hounkpe Maria, pictured at the head of this article – lives in the village of Tchinakomey, Benin. She says:<\/p>\n

I am a professional in weaving, sewing and knitting. I am very happy with the electricity we finally have. I am very happy with it because, before, I used manual machines, but with electricity I will be able to use much more sophisticated machines, electric machines. I therefore ask that electrical machines be made available so that I can exploit them for the total development of what I do. THANKS<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Power demands in the villages are quite diverse and have changed the lives of craftspeople, farmers, vendors requiring refrigeration, electric motor based machinery processing and manufacture; it allows welding, and is used by private individuals who can take advantage of mobile phone technology for the first time, and for social and administrative use in public buildings having lighting or office equipment.<\/p>\n

Typical Power Installation<\/h4>\n

Victron Energy is a partner to Electriciens sans fronti\u00e8res, offering product training for system design, installation and remote monitoring which can be effortlessly achieved via the Victron Remote Management VRM<\/a> platform.<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Mercier, Victron Energy sales manager for France, says : We are very pround to have set up a specific technical training program with Electricien sans fronti\u00e8res into our French practical training center https:\/\/www.victronenergy.fr\/formation<\/a>. Then our privileged partner can bring and teach Victron Energy products know how to the local population in connection with our local distributors.\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A typical system build comprises:<\/p>\n