Off-Grid Solar Energy And Agribusiness Expansion in Africa
Transformation of the agricultural sector holds the key to accelerated growth, diversification, and job creation for African economies. This presentation shows how solar energy can be at the cornerstone of a successful agribusiness expansion. Two case studies of industrial farms reveal the benefits of decentralized solar energy where national grids are unavailable or unreliable. In Mali, the agro-industrial complex Baragnouma produces fish at a rate of 5 tons a day as well as chicken, dairy, and vegetables. The overall complex is located off the grid 50km away from Bamako. In South Africa, a 180 hectares Pecan Nut Orchard has solved its irrigation problem by installing one of the region's largest off-grid solar farms. For both sites, Victron Energy and local solar companies have worked jointly to provide reliable and profitable solutions -- demonstrating how solar energy can be harnessed to support a sustainable agriculture at scale in Africa.
Speaker:
Clément Joulain
Sales Manager - Afrique de l'Ouest, Centrale & Madagascar
Victron Energy
Clément Joulain started is career in renewable energies and off-grid industry in 2006 by building off-grid, small wind turbine based electrification systems. He worked in that field for NGOs and for-profit companies in Senegal, Nicaragua, France and Madagascar. Since 2011 he has specialized in both on-grid and off-grid solar PV, and worked in various companies as a design engineer, CTO, and COO. In November 2020, he joined Victron Energy as Sales Manager for West, Central Africa and Madagascar, after installing and operating the products in the field for more than a decade. Clément is a renewable energy enthusiast and loves to experiment with DIY renewable energy systems.
Sales Manager - Afrique de l'Ouest, Centrale & Madagascar
Victron Energy
Clément Joulain started is career in renewable energies and off-grid industry in 2006 by building off-grid, small wind turbine based electrification systems. He worked in that field for NGOs and for-profit companies in Senegal, Nicaragua, France and Madagascar. Since 2011 he has specialized in both on-grid and off-grid solar PV, and worked in various companies as a design engineer, CTO, and COO. In November 2020, he joined Victron Energy as Sales Manager for West, Central Africa and Madagascar, after installing and operating the products in the field for more than a decade. Clément is a renewable energy enthusiast and loves to experiment with DIY renewable energy systems.