Next generation utility BBOXX and GE have partnered to provide energy access to small businesses, schools and other organisations in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
BBOXX has deployed the first of GE’s Hybrid Distributed Power (HDP) systems in the city of Goma, close to the Rwandan border, to connect up to 10 customers.
The first system was at a local school, Kivu International School. More customers are expected to be added to the ‘mini grid’ over the following weeks.
The technology provides sustainable energy in off-grid settings, combining solar energy, battery storage and diesel generation to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
The systems will be linked between GE’s Predix digital remote monitoring and diagnostics platform to BBOXX’s cloud-based Pulse platform, which will proactively troubleshoot issues with any system before they become a problem for customers.
Pulse uses big data and predictive analytics to help improve customer service.
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of BBOXX, said, “Many businesses and small organisations in the DRC, and across the developing world, do not have a reliable, affordable way of maintaining electricity supply. Hybrid distributed power and micro-grid technology provides one solution to solve this pressing problem by delivering an on-grid experience in an off-grid setting.”
“We look forward to working with our technical partners in the future to supply energy and other utility services to more customers across the distribution mix, from small rural homes through to urban SMEs and public institutions, improving productivity and powering economic growth,” he added.
“GE’s Hybrid Distributed Power system offers flexibility to deliver fast, reliable power with a digital backbone found in utility scale power plants,” said Brian Selby, managing director of licensing at GE.
