Lake Bunyonyi Solar Report

The Global Livingston Institute, in partnership with Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise (GSSE) students and faculty at CSU, and MeshPower, sought to eliminate the use of fossil fuels at Entusi Resort and Retreat Center.

Matt Vanderwerken

Jerry Amanya

Evan Fuellenbach

Keni Herman

Thomas Karrel

Will Tesconi

James M. Van Leeuwen

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Objective

At the beginning of this project, Entusi was 100% reliant on the use of a diesel-powered generator to run the center, which consumes between $800 and $1,000 worth of fuel per month, with demand increasing as Entusi continues to expand operations, and host more guests and events.

To develop a renewable energy platform that allows Entusi Resort & Retreat Center to be 100% operational on solar power, and to use this platform to electrify the communities around Lake Bunyonyi.

Project Background

As a member of the greater Lake Bunyonyi community, this project is aimed at to not only reducing Entusi’s reliance on the fuel-powered generator, but to set the stage for other communities around the lake to follow suit. By implementing a solar microgrid at Entusi, we are demonstrating the feasibility of shifting to solar energy, as well as laying the groundwork for a potential expansion of solar operations in the region. We aim to socialize renewable energy throughout the community, to introduce residents to the possibilities of solar and other sources of energy can present.

In 2017, the GSSE team traveled to East Africa and conducted a baseline survey that provided key insight into the many opportunities, as well as the challenges, of establishing a solar microgrid at Entusi. With the system established and our partners at MeshPower incorporated into the project, we will be able to continuously monitor its effectiveness, while assisting the surrounding community in implementing additional grids to expand the network and establish a sustainable, large scale solar operation around Lake Bunyonyi.

As the first member of the community to implement such a plan, there will be unforeseen obstacles. However, the potential for positive outcomes outweighs this consideration. With the expertise and guidance from MeshPower, we can build a microgrid that is sustainable and revenue-generating, job-creating, and Ugandan led. Entusi staff field a great deal of questions from curious community members and travelers. It is clear that this project is generating excitement and interest around the community, and many are learning more about the tradeoff between utilizing fossil fuels versus solar energy for lighting their homes and businesses.

Milestones to Date

The solar project at Entusi has proved to eliminate wasteful usage of the generator, increase safety and security, establish Entusi as a leader in sustainability, and set it apart in terms of hospitality on the lake with increased convenience and comfort for guests. So far, through this project, GLI and our partners have reached the following milestones:

• Reduced generator usage and eliminated wasteful usage of the generator

  • The generator is exclusively used as a backup for large events, and when Entusi is at maximum occupant capacity

  • The new system allows for generator to be shut off automatically between 10 pm – 7 am with option to turn on manually

• Significant financial savings per month on Energy & Utilities

• Improved safety at Entusi:

  • Waterproof casings on all control panels

  • Installed remote LED lights to illuminate both docks and walkways at night

• Improved the image of Entusi by making guests' stay more comfortable with 24-hour electricity

• On the forefront of technology and sustainability as the first center on the lake to implement a solar energy microgrid

• Revenue increased for the restaurant and bar, as it is able to operate later and not utilize the generator

Breakdown of Generator Fuel Usage & Energy Savings

Entusi Generator Fuel Usage & Emissions Data - 2017.

Solar System operation began in July 2017.

Notes/Information:

• 45L Diesel Generator

• 3000 UGX per liter (2017 average)

• CO2 Emissions: ~2.6 kg CO2/liter of fuel

  • 72 g-CO2 per MJ of fuel combusted – Standard lower heating value (43.1 MJ/kg) – Density (0.832 kg/L)