OVERVIEW
Djibouti has an abundance of solar, wind, and geothermal natural resources. USAID is facilitating private sector investment in Djibouti’s energy sector to ensure sustainability and support the country's path to energy independence, including the hardest to reach areas. A public-private partnership with U.S. social impact start-up, Liquidstar, deployed an innovative Waypoint charging station to provide off-grid electrical power distribution, potable water, internet, and e-mobility to Kalaf village. Households are accessing regular electricity via rentable 100 Wh, 200 Wh or 2.5kWh batteries for 50 Djiboutian Francs ($0.30) per day. Batteries can power a home for up to three days. The sustainable approach is reducing dependency on kerosene and diesel generators and providing consistent clean energy access.
PRIVATE SECTOR CONTRIBUTION
Liquidstar funding and technical expertise designed the Waypoint technology, beta-tested the model in two other sites, and provided training to community members to operate and maintain the power station.
USAID CONTRIBUTION
USAID Power Africa funding supported the set-up and operationalization of the pilot Waypoint station to bring solar-powered charging stations to Kalaf.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
- Electricity access for off-grid households: The activity is providing solar-powered electricity for 80 households, a school, and a health clinic through the use of solar panels connected to portable smart batteries.
- Generate potable water in the desert: The activity is providing clean water to the community via an atmospheric water generator that uses solar energy to draw moisture from humid air.
FAST FACTS
Budget: $420,000
Activity Location: Kalaf, Tadjourah Region
Performance Period: Three Years (2021 – 2024)
Implementing Partner: Liquidstar
CONTACTS
USAID/Djibouti: Moussa Abdillahi, Workforce Specialist, mabdillahi@usaid.gov
Liquidstar: Scott Salandy-Defour, Chief of Party, s@liquidstar.io
