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Case study 8 August, 2024 Battery / Energy StorageSolar PV E-mobility Stand alone

VoltaViewAfrica – Solar-powered Ferry: suneferry (The Gambia)

Who, What & Where

The Challenge

The 400-kilometer-long Gambia River is a major obstacle to north-south transportation along the West African coast. Apart from the only ferry connection between Banjul and Barra, there is only one bridge near Farafenni, which connects the north and south of Senegal across the Gambia. The insufficient number of ferries results in long waiting times, especially for passengers.

Renewable Solution

Solar-powered drives: The ferry is powered by two electric motors, each with an output of 10 kW. Energy is supplied exclusively by the sun through photovoltaics and a 40 kWh sodium-ion battery storage system.

Solar energy combined with sodium-ion batteries is considered a sustainable solution for Africa because:

  • Africa has abundant solar resources.
  • Sodium-ion batteries are more affordable than lithium-ion batteries.
  • Sodium-ion batteries are more sustainable than lithium-ion batteries.
  • Both solar energy and sodium-ion batteries are scalable.
  • Solar energy and sodium-ion batteries are environmentally friendly.

Project Outcome

The project will start on June 1, 2024 and the first test runs are planned for November/December 2024. Regular operations are scheduled to start in spring 2025.