Batteries are becoming a key solution to electricity challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. But they are expensive, have limited operating lives, and are costly to maintain. IEC Global Impact Fund provides resources for global environmental, governance and societal projects. The IEC is working with a global leading provider to implement an idea for re-using old lithium batteries for charitable goals.
A Practical Way for Re-Using Old Lithium Batteries
The IEC has a vision of a safer, more efficient world. It views affordable, abundant electricity as key to addressing many global difficulties. Access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa is a major challenge, it believes, with less than 50% of people having access to the energy.
Solar photovoltaic panels are a compelling key to this solution, because they do not need expensive distribution grids. This technology is also relatively long-lasting and simple to use. However, the panels do need storage batteries and inverters to rectify the current, and store it for overnight use.
The IEC Global Impact Fund finds this idea particularly appealing for schools, hospitals, local health centers, and other critical locations. However, it does need logistical support and technical input to make the idea of re-using old lithium batteries for community purposes feasible.
IEC Global Impact Fund Teams with Global Provider
The IEC Global Impact Fund has formed a venture with Differ Community Power. This company specializes in delivering energy services to communities, and, we believe, has a broad footprint. The first phase involves determining how practical the idea is of re-using old lithium batteries this way.
If the results are positive, then Differ Community Power will coordinate rehabilitating the batteries, including safety and performance testing. They will also train local sub-contractors in wiring and safety standards. We wish this project every success in the months and years going forward.
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