The Zambian village of Chitandika has received a mini power grid that provides 378 households with access to electricity.

French-based distribution company Engie recently inaugurated its PowerCorner in the east-Zambian village, connecting around 1 500 residents to the grid. The mini-grid supplies energy to households, local businesses, a healthcare centre and two schools, according to Engie.

The PowerCorner is a smart mini-grid that uses digital solutions (including mobile money and pay-as-you-go technologies). Electricity is produced via solar energy and battery storage, offering 24/7 energy services.

To date, the company has 13 mini-grids in operation or under construction across Zambia and Tanzania.

‘More than 600 million people or 60% of the population living in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to electricity,’ according to Engie’s website. ‘Engie is pursuing its goal to develop 2 000 mini-grids by 2025 in Africa.’

16 April 2019
Image: PowerCorner