The USTDA awarded a grant to Henri Fraise Fils&Cie, an energy company from Madagascar, for the development and implementation of mini grids in the East African island nation.
The grant is aimed at supporting the technical and economic study of solar PV powered mini grids with integrated battery storage technology at up to 100 sites, as well as a pilot to demonstrate the mini grid solution.
The company selected the US-based battery storage manufacturer, Fluidic to carry out the feasibility study and pilot project. Caterpillar and First Solar will also play a role in the project.
“The funds will help develop our business model and broader deployment of minigrid solutions across Madagascar,” commented Nicolas Verbert, VP of Henri Fraise.
This implementation of this project is expected to result in the installation of a combined 10MW peak of solar power generation and 88MW hours of battery storage capacity, which would electrify an estimated 27,600 households and businesses in Madagascar, said the company.
“We are excited to work with Henri Fraise to develop mini grid projects that will increase renewable-based electrification and economic development in rural areas of Madagascar,” said Richard Hallas, regional vice-president of Fluidic.