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Case study 19 January, 2023 Battery / Energy StorageSolar PV E-mobility Micro/Mini-grid

Asantys Systems – Sunlight & batteries fuelled eco-safari (Tanzania)

Who, What & Where

  • Asantys Systems
  • Sunlight & batteries fuelled eco-safari
  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Company

Asantys Systems is as a wholesaler offering you a wide range of solar components from quality manufacturers at very competitive prices.

Besides wholesaling Asantys Systems as a system integrator offers its partners all required services for a successful turnkey project – worldwide.

The Challenge

Disconnected from the Tanzanian utility grid, Tanganyika Expeditions operates its safari lodges in Serengeti using solar energy and lead battery storage.

  • Environmental and noise pollution was addressed by replacing conventional vehicles with e-vehicle solutions
  • Landcruisers’ retrofitting was resolved by finding a suitable company to provide this service

Renewable Solution

The eco-safari has converted some of their safari vehicles from diesel to electric vehicles. Both the safari and service vehicles are charged using the solar power system provided by Asantys Systems.

Max capacity of vehicle(s) Toyota Landcruiser safari and service vehicles with a capacity of five to eight seats were used. High-quality modifications were made to the vehicles giving them a second (more sustainable) life.
Decision on target market Site selection was based on factors including:

  • Saving fuel costs, reducing harmful emissions and distance from the nearest petrol station (60 km)

Benefits of the solution:

  • No noise and engine smoke at the safari, reduced maintenance costs due to less wear and tear and eco-tourism
Local community
engagement
  • Strong interest and good communication with Tanganyika Expeditions who runs the safari
  • Engaged the community with steps such as, including needs assessment, implementation, training on solar photovoltaic (PV) and storage systems as well as EVs
Energy requirements for individual vehicles Battery capacity of 40-80 kWh depending on the electric safari vehicle model
Max operating distance per single charge 130-240 km depending on the electric safari vehicle model
Battery type
  • Lead acid batteries for stationary power systems
  • Lithium-ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery for the vehicles
Inhouse DRE capacity to power e-mobility solution
  • Two systems with 55 kWp solar plant and 220 kWh battery system with SMA Tripower PV inverters
  • A solar and battery system was used to power the lodges and charge the cars
Energy storage & backup power 220 kWh battery for each solar power system with SMA SunnyIsland
battery inverters

Project Financing and Costs

< 1,000,000 EUR

  • Asantys Systems (solar system integrator)
  • Tanganyika Expeditions (safari lodge)
  • Harald Olk (energy consultant and project developer)
  • Elektro Fleck (provider of the individual solution to convert fuel cars to e-cars)

Project Outcome

  • Lowered costs to run the lodges
  • Reduced emissions and noise for the animals and visitors
  • CO2 emissions avoided
  • Independence from conventional fuel usage
  • Powering the lodges with clean solar energy

Key Recommendations

  • Find capable local partners
  • Ensure long-lasting partnerships with the local stakeholders including beneficiaries
  • Ensure quality assurance of products