VRB Power Sells Two 5kW x 4hr VRB Energy Storage Systems(TM) to Winafrique Technologies for Deployment with Safaricom, in Kenya
Wednesday November 14, 4:00 pm ET
RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 14 /CNW/ - VRB Power Systems Inc. (TSX-V: VRB - News) announces the sale of two 5kW x 4hr VRB Energy Storage Systems ("VRB-ESS") to Winafrique Technologies Ltd., of Kenya ("Winafrique"). The systems will be deployed in two remote cellular telecommunications sites in Kenya with Safaricom Limited, the leading mobile telephone operator in Kenya which is owned by Telkom Kenya and Vodafone Group Plc ("Safaricom"). The sale marks the initial phase for a potential roll out of multiple systems at cellular telecommunications sites across East Africa. Winafrique has identified approximately 300 possible sites in Kenya alone.
ADVERTISEMENT
VRB Power has also signed a distribution agreement with Winafrique for the 5kW VRB-ESS in Kenya. Under the terms of the agreement, Winafrique will sell, install and integrate the systems at the chosen cellular sites; monitor and service the systems once installed and also provide some of the electrical components. Winafrique personnel have commenced technical training at the company's Richmond facility.
Currently, remote cell sites across Africa are typically powered by diesel generators with lead acid batteries providing back-up power should the diesel generators fail. With increasing costs of diesel fuel, concerns over diesel emissions and high maintenance requirements of the diesel generators and lead acid batteries, there is a strong movement by groups such as Safaricom to reduce diesel usage by integrating wind turbines or solar panels into the systems powering cellular sites. To do so requires an energy storage system such as the VRB-ESS that is capable of repeated deep cycling, with high reliability, long life and low maintenance costs.
The VRB-ESS enables the integration of significant amounts of variable wind generation into these cell sites and also has the ability to run the sites for up to 14 hours a day when the wind is not blowing. The key benefits are significantly reduced diesel fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, reduced diesel engine operations costs and extended life of the overall systems.
"We are very pleased to be purchasing VRB Power's products," said Mr. Michael Chavanga Director of Winafrique. "We believe that there are growing opportunities in Kenya and Africa as a whole to integrate renewable energy and advanced energy solutions to reduce the costs of fossil fuel usage. The ability of the VRB technology to cycle rapidly and deeply with negligible impact on system life and the ability to carry out multiple functions from the same system are unique characteristics, which we believe will open up opportunities across the region," concluded Chavanga.
"The market opportunity is clear," said Tim Hennessy, CEO of VRB Power, "In a continent where fixed wire systems are problematic, the reliance on wireless communications is critical and this is controlled by the availability of reliable, cost effective power - a concept also being incorporated as a value added offering by radio manufacturers themselves." Hennessy continues, "Winafrique's decision to offer enhanced power using the VRB-ESS to East African telecoms providers is visionary. Remote sites are a core marketing focus for our Company especially as diesel costs increase and become a larger and larger portion of operating costs for operators in emerging economies. We know that there are tens of thousands of remote diesel powered sites where the uniqueness of our systems makes us the ideal choice," concluded Hennessy.
About Safaricom
Safaricom Limited is Kenya's current leading Mobile Telephone Operator. It was formed in 1997 as a fully owned subsidiary of Telkom Kenya. In May 2000, Vodafone Group Plc, the worlds largest Telecommunication company acquired a 40% stake and management responsibility for the company. Safaricom's aim is to remain the leading Mobile Network Operator in Kenya.
In the modern world of globalization, Safaricom has been able to keep pace with the global mobile telecommunications market by having strategic business associations which help in meeting the dynamic challenges of the modern mobile telecommunications world. Its strategic association with the world leaders in mobile telephony has created a niche in the Kenyan market. Safaricom announced net profits of $220 million in the last financial year.
About Winafrique
Winafrique Technologies Ltd is an integrated renewable energy resources company incorporated in Kenya in 2001 with the objective of providing efficient and sustainable alternative energy solutions for Africa and to meet the challenge of generating electricity on a cost effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly basis.
Currently involved in the provision of hybrid and alternative power in remote areas, Winafrique is the most reliable supplier of high end renewable energy power products and solutions in the region. Winafrique represents a number of international companies as their distributor and authorized installer and has provided unique power solutions for remote site installations for over 5 years. Winafrique evaluates project specifics, proposes viable and cost effective solutions and specializes in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of installed systems. Its product lines include wind, solar and micro hydro power solutions, as well as energy storage and hybrid power systems.
About VRB Power
Headquartered in Richmond, Canada, VRB Power Systems Inc. is an energy storage technology developer which is marketing, selling and manufacturing products utilizing the patented VRB Energy Storage System ("VRB-ESS(TM)"). The VRB-ESS can economically store and supply large amounts of electricity on demand and is focused on stationary applications. It is a long life, cost effective, low maintenance, efficient technology that allows for the scalability of power and storage capacity independently. The VRB-ESS is particularly beneficial to renewable energy providers, utilities and end users through its ability to "inventory" electricity, allowing for the optimal match of supply and demand.
The VRB-ESS is well suited for a variety of applications. Enabling the provision of "firm" capacity from intermittent renewable generation such as wind and solar; more cost effective and efficient generation of electricity in remote areas; capital deferral for utilities; and load levelling (peak shaving) applications. The VRB-ESS is also capable of providing backup power solutions including applications for utility sub-stations and telecommunication sites. The VRB-ESS is characterized by having the lowest ecological impact of all energy storage technologies and is unlike most other conventional energy storage systems that rely on substances such as lead or cadmium.
