The European Union funded the UMUCO W’ITERAMBERE project as a part of a broader Resilience Program for Burundi, which was awarded to three consortia. EnGreen provided technical assistance to the consortium formed by AVSI Foundation and NCA (Norwegian Church Aid) for the access to electricity component, which aimed to provide access to a modern, efficient and sustainable basic energy service for rural populations of the country.

The project targeted 28 hills in the provinces of Kayanza, Ngozi and Kirundo, by providing access to electricity for basic services (24 Schools and 11 Health Centers) and productive activities (11 Multi Service Stations). EnGreen developed the demand assessment, technical design and business modedl definition for all the interventions, which are set to be installed in the next months after the finalization of the EPC contract.

In particular, for the 11 Health Centers, the photovoltaic energy production systems will meet the lighting and energy needs related to the use of electric tools (autoclaves, microscopes, gynecology lamps, refrigerators for vaccines, etc.) and will include 11 Energy Kiosks to provide energy utilization services to the centers’ patients.

For the 24 Schools, an “Energy Hub” will be installed, allowing the lighting of the classrooms, the operation of ICT tools and the running of a small store selling electrical services (telephone refills, hairdressing salon, secretariat, etc.).

For the 11 Multi Service Centers, photovoltaic energy production systems will power a variety of productive use equipment (mills, hulling machine, mobile loading, hairdressing salon, etc.).