As part of a tender under the EnDev program by the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ) the South German battery manufacturer BOS AG launched in the year 2022 an electrification project in five off-grid communities in Ethiopia. Access to a stable power supply is not a given in many regions of Ethiopia but plays a key role in improving living conditions and fostering economic development. Together with its project partners, BOS achieved a significant milestone for Ethiopia’s energy security and economic future with the successful completion of solar mini-grid systems in December 2024.
The project, which includes a total lithium-ion storage capacity of 1,330 kWh, successfully electrified the communities of Gera, Oborso, Kurtile, and Oda. With the project’s completion, 4,000 people now have access to reliable and clean energy. In addition to private households, small businesses and craftsmen particularly benefit from the stable and rapid energy supply. This not only enhances living conditions locally but also provides a vital boost to economic growth in the region. Through this project, BOS reaffirms its commitment to sustainable energy solutions in developing regions.
Networking Event in Addis Abeba emphasizes the importance of the Electrification Project
The project’s completion was celebrated with a networking event on December 17, 2024, in Addis Ababa. In collaboration with GIZ and project partner Green Scene Energy, BOS organized the event to honor the successful cooperation within the RES Programme for the Oborso East reference installation. The event was attended by high-ranking representatives from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy, the German Embassy, and numerous industry professionals.
The event provided not only a platform to showcase the project’s achievements but also an opportunity for constructive dialogue on future electrification projects. Contributions from project partners and a project film about the electrification of Oborso East illustrated the positive impact on the region and the lives of its people. In his speech, Benjamin Seckinger, CEO of BOS, emphasized the significance of such projects for sustainable development and the economic future of the region. Drawing on his experiences from previous projects, including with "Engineers Without Borders," he highlighted the pivotal role of partnerships and innovative energy solutions.
During the following discussion round, participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and develop ideas for future collaborations. The successful implementation of the project in Oromia has impressively demonstrated the potential of sustainable energy solutions. For BOS, its project partners, and the local communities, the project underscores the importance of further initiatives to contribute to Ethiopia’s economic development and quality of life in the long term.
About BOS
BOS Balance of Storage Systems AG is an innovative tech company based in Ulm, Germany, founded in 2014 by CEO and co-founder Benjamin Seckinger. With a dedicated team of around 45 employees, the company has established itself as a pioneer in modern energy solutions, specializing in intelligent hybrid storage technologies. After the success of its groundbreaking lithium-lead technology, BOS is now focusing on developing lithium battery solutions that are very simple to install. These plug-and-play solutions serve market segments that require self-sufficient energy supply. This includes the caravan and boat sector and target markets in rural and semi-urban regions with limited or no access to modern energy supplies. The target markets are in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. The combination of innovative technology and the pursuit of a more sustainable future makes BOS a significant player in the field of energy supply and storage.
The RES Project Ethiopia is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme of the German Energy Solutions Initiative.
German Energy Agency (dena)
The German Energy Agency (dena) is a centre of excellence for the applied energy transition and climate protec-tion. dena studies the challenges of building a climate-neutral society and supports the German government in achieving its energy and climate policy objectives. Since its foundation in 2000, dena has worked to develop and implement solutions and bring together national and international partners from politics, industry, the scientific community and all parts of society. dena is a project enterprise and a public company owned by the German federal government. dena’s shareholder is the Federal Republic of Germany. www.dena.de/en
German Energy Solutions Initiative
With the aim of positioning German technologies and know-how worldwide, the German Energy Solutions Initia-tive of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) supports suppliers of climate-friendly ener-gy solutions in opening up foreign markets. The focus lies on renewable energies, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage, as well as technologies such as power-to-gas and fuel cells. Aimed in particular at small and medi-um-sized enterprises, the German Energy Solutions Initiative supports participants through measures to prepare market entry as well as to prospect, develop and secure new markets.
www.german-energy-solutions.de/GES/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html
Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES Programme)
With the RES programme, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Cli-mate Action (BMWK) helps German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany.
www.german-energy-solutions.de/GES/Redaktion/EN
Balance of Storage Systems AG
Industriestraße 12
89081 Ulm
Telefon: +49 (731) 850783-00
Telefax: +49 (731) 72544109
http://www.bos-ag.com/de
Communications Manager
Telefon: +49 (0) 731 8507 83 25
E-Mail: henkel.marlene@bos-ag.com
