Sustainable Energy Services Afghanistan (SESA)

Sharana Hospital Wind/Solar Hybrid System

The Paktika PRT identified that many Afghan infrastructure projects relied on diesel generators for base power supply. These proved unsustainable and projects often ended in failure when local authorities cannot meet the operational costs of the infrastructure provided.

The Sharana Hospital Wind/Solar Hybrid System Project was initiated by the Paktika PRT to ensure a sustainable power supply from wind and solar resources and allow peak power demands to be met by an existing backup diesel generator.

SESA used a standard 20-ft shipping container as a base platform for the project. The use of container-based systems allows SESA to perform most of the time-consuming system construction and testing in Kabul, followed by a rapid system installation and commissioning period in the field. This method reduces risks for the installation team and facilitates project completion.

The base platform combines a variety of energy inputs—wind, solar, hydroelectric and diesel generators—that are automatically integrated, linked to the main Afghan power grid if required, or draw power from the grid, when available.

SESA’s containerized platforms are able to be expanded to accommodate the needs of much larger sites if required.