Transformational

Over the past few months, life has transformed at WTA, The Rock Health Centre and both Connect Education Centres. They now have strong, stable power using some of the latest cutting-edge technology. This article gives an overview, but cannot fully express the massive changes that have taken place.

Firstly, we must say a HUGE thankyou to Ed & Chris from GRID AI Ltd, (a UK based technology company), and Innovate UK (a technology funding arm of the UK Government). Basically, GRID AI has funded the installation of 4 large solar systems - not innovative in themselves, but they are using clever, artificial intelligence to allow them to use second life electric car and motorcycle batteries. Giving second life to these previously unwanted items. Clever.

Finally the battery arrays arrive 5 months later!                              Happy Engineers Chris & Ed

The car batteries were bought from breakers' yards in the UK. Five Nissan Leaf battery arrays were sourced and shipped from the UK to Uganda and now have their own proud building in the middle of the site. The used electric motorcycle batteries are purchased from within Uganda, to prove that these can be effectively used as an alternative. WTA and the associated projects have benefitted by becoming the demonstration sites to prove this technology. The FIRST in Africa!

Get those muscles flexed!

Each car battery array weighed 400kgs, which required a bit of heavy lifting and grazed knuckles - but are now all working well, using clever artificial intelligence, to maximise the solar power and storage for the whole site. Consequently there has been a revolution in the way that all the projects operate. No more interrupted computer lessons or presentations, the lights are on all night and costs have plummeted. The scale of the transformation is huge, not only is life at projects completely changed - but the solar also powers the 30 staff houses that are on site. Fantastic.

One of the battery arrays in place             Ed, from GRID AI checking out the re-engineered motorcycle batteries

The potential electricity generation and storage is still yet to be fully harnessed, but already the excess solar is powering electric motorcycles as well as water heaters for the Health Centre and school kitchen. The kitchen heaters have already started to reduce the amount of firewood previously used for cooking - all major benefits. Many more benefits will follow.

Chris conducting a practical lesson at WTA

Thank you GRID AI and Innovate UK! Watch this space for further developments.....