UK-based plug-n-play solar systems developer BBOXX has been selected by Congo Government to supply and install its off-grid solar systems.

BBOXX

Image: BBOXX selected by Congo government to provide off-grid solar solutions. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Beierle/FreeImages.com

The contract is part of the government’s ‘Energie pour Tous’ initiative which will bring reliable, renewable electricity to about 2.5 million people by 2020. As per the contract, BBOXX will supply off-grid solar systems.

The initiative is part of national rural electrification through off-grid solar kits and mini-grids, after the government has recognised that traditional grid infrastructure is not a viable solution in rural Congo.

BBOXX claims to be the first company to have signed the contract and put the Government’s vision to action. To realise this vision, the government has given import tax exemption on the solar equipment, which is expected to reduce the overall installation price of the solar energy systems, which will not be a burden for the end consumers.

The company stated that the smart solar home systems are remotely monitored using cloud-based technology, so that any issues such as battery depletion can be resolved before it becomes a problem for the customer. This system is claimed to be best suited for Congo, as remote communities are spread across vast locations.

Roll-out of the BBOXX systems is expected to create 10,000 jobs in the country, as it will be applied at scale across the country.

BBOXX chief operations officer and co-founder Laurent Van Houcke said: “It is really encouraging to see the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recognize off-grid energy solutions as instrumental to providing electricity to its citizens.

“The government has provided the right regulatory framework and tariff policies that has allowed private companies like BBOXX to work effectively in the country’s energy industry for the benefit of its citizens.

Congo Minister of Rural Development Bitakwira Bihona-Hayi Justin said: “The private sector has a key role to play in the off-grid electrification of the DRC. The DRC has passed a law in 2014 to completely privatise the energy sector to attract private investors.

“This partnership with BBOXX will bring basic energy services through a unique technology to the large off-grid population base in DRC.”