Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges in South Africa’s Kruger National Park have teamed up with U.S-based Tesla Energy Products and SolarAfrica to use Tesla’s Powerpack energy storage systems, utility-scale rechargeable batteries designed to store energy for large power systems, with a goal of cutting generator usage by as much as 70%. The program is the first of its kind to be paired with an off-grid site in Africa.
Singita, with 12 lodges and camps across five regions of Africa, has sought to emphasize sustainability within this region with initiatives ranging from cutting edge design to ensure the lodge is touching the earth lightly to Singita Lebombo Lodge’s long-term plan to be a part of protecting and preserving the 6.4 million-acre Kruger National Park.
Prior to Tesla’s involvement, Singita and SolarAfrica partnered in 2015 to commission a 385 kWp (kilowatt peak) hybrid solar power system. The kilowatt peak specifies the output of power achieved under full solar radiation. In this next phase, Singita has committed to more than doubling the system’s solar capacity, and Tesla’s Powerpacks will enable Singita and SolarAfrica to significantly increase the use of clean energy.
Tesla’s innovative technology maximizes the use of available solar energy generation, providing energy security to the lodge. Its scalable design can be configured in various arrangements and allows for expansion if necessary. To ensure uncompromised guest experiences, generators will have site controllers and remote monitoring, with the ability to switch off at specified times thereby reducing noise levels in the camp.
South Africa-born Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has previously launched sustainability endeavors in Africa with the Powerwall system, which is a battery that uses energy from solar panels, powering homes in the evening or during electricity outages. Using the same concept, the Tesla Powerpack allows solar energy to be used on a much larger scale by powering systems like Singita’s Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.
At Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, regular, external environmental audits are in place to affirm a strict adherence to the best environmental practices. The Tesla Powerpack will be an integral addition to the conservation efforts of Singita properties.
The system will be a rare off-grid installation with 15 Powerpacks to effectively store 3150 kWh of energy, and fuel Singita’s mission to touch the earth as lightly as possible. Planned for commission in early 2017, the system is forecast to provide 1,600 MWhs (megawatt hours) of energy a year to power Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodge operations. To compare, 1 MWh is equivalent to the energy produced by 10 automobile engines. By trialing this technology, Singita hopes to accelerate the rollout of sustainable energy-use to the rest of the African continent and ultimately, aspires to a zero carbon footprint.