Schneider Electric has deployed a new technology platform in Kenya that enables the generation of electricity, heat and drinking water simultaneously
The project, known as MiCROSOL, has been aimed at the African markets. It will produce 50 MWh of electricity, 1,000 cubic meters of drinking water and around 800 MWh of thermal energy per year. The technology has a life cycle of 20 years.
Schneider Electric has planned to commercialise the project in 2015.
“This project will give access to reliable, efficient and inexpensive electricity, along with clean drinking water and heat produced with zero greenhouse gas emissions. The project uses recyclable steel and aluminum components. MiCROSOL would benefit micro-industries located in rural areas in countries with high levels of sunshine,” the company said.
According to Schneider Electric, the food, paper and textile sectors can use the solution to process their raw materials, while the tourism industry can use the electricity generated from the project for refrigeration or security purposes and heat generation for laundry and cooking purposes.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) director for the Energy & Climate Change department, Pradeep Monga, said, “This technology can help Africa’s poorest countries.”
Schneider Electric vice president, sustainability, Gilles Vermot Desroches, said, “All countries with high levels of sunshine are potential targets for marketing Microsol. However, because of its infrastructure needs, geographical location and economic models, Schneider Electric and its partners decided to focus their efforts on Africa.”
