Solar Revolution in Walikale: How GoShop Transformed MSF Holland's Energy Independence
GoShop has completed a comprehensive solar retrofit, expanding storage capacity to 40 kWh, including 36 new panels and lightning rods. Currently, generator use is limited to 2–3 hours per day. With a 65% reduction in fuel costs, MSF Holland now benefits from a stable and sustainable energy source to power its medical equipment and essential communications in remote areas.
50%
CO2 reduction
50%
energy saving
6.000
tons produced every year
Today, the issue of electricity supply in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo remains crucial to the smooth running of intervention bases and technical offices. In Walikale, this issue was particularly pressing for an MSF Netherlands operational base, whose offices are located in Walikale Centre, in the Kantepe district in eastern DRC.
Although a solar installation had been set up, comprising two converters (10kVA), four BYD lithium batteries of 5 kWh (totaling 20 kWh of storage) and a few solar panels, the system's autonomy did not exceed 50%. The generator was forced to run almost continuously, day and night, which represented an unsustainable financial and ecological burden.
The consequences of this dependence on the power-hungry generator were manifold:
- Exorbitant fuel consumption, resulting in high recurring costs,
- Premature wear and tear on the generator, requiring frequent maintenance,
- Inefficient use of solar energy, which was neither stored nor exploited adequately,
In a context where every liter of fuel is precious and electricity is essential for operations, this situation became untenable.
To remedy this energy crisis, GoShop redesigned the system with:
The addition of four extra batteries, bringing the storage capacity to 40 kWh
Replacement of the converters with a more powerful 15 kVA model
Installation of 36 new solar panels, significantly increasing energy production, and installation of lightning rods at the three sites (base, offices, hospital) to protect the facilities from lightning strikes Previous
The results are significant, as one of the site managers confirmed to us. The generator now only runs for 2 to 3 hours a day, mainly early in the morning or late at night.
This overhaul has drastically reduced fuel costs by 65%, decreased the frequency of breakdowns, and extended the life of the equipment. The electrical installations are now protected from storms, and no lightning-related outages have been reported since. This increased energy reliability has enabled MSF Holland to operate its medical equipment for longer periods, recharge its vital communications without interruption, and ensure a better quality of life for its staff on site.
“As Mr. André, head of logistics, states, "Before GoShop arrived, we were constantly plagued by concerns about our energy supply. Today, thanks to a reliable and sustainable power source, we can devote ourselves entirely to our core missions. We are confident that this fruitful collaboration will continue next year. “
This project in Walikale demonstrates that a well-designed, reinforced, and secure solar system can revolutionize the operation of a remote base. Less fuel, more clean energy.
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