Future-orientated power supply for Meki diocese

The pastoral and social work facilities of the MEKI diocese (including the Caritas office) have always suffered from an inadequate power supply, characterised by outages and voltage fluctuations. Successful and efficient work is only possible if an appropriate infrastructure is available. The renewal of the power supply, financed by Caritas Bolzano-Bressanone, was therefore decided in 2023. The core components are a 57kWp solar system with a 134.5kWh Li-ion battery system to supplement the unreliable public grid. The self-supply provides security of supply, financial relief (savings on grid and generator costs) and a reduction in the diocese's emissions. The installation of the core components was/is now being carried out by local technicians, supported by BBM expert Manuel Seifriedsberger in December 2024 - January 2025. 

At the same time, financed by Caritas Vorarlberg and MIVA, an electric vehicle was provided for the diocese of MEKI, which is powered by the solar electricity generated - a pilot project. This will now be monitored over the next few years in order to gather experience with e-mobility in Ethiopia.

As part of the long-standing cooperation between Caritas Bolzano Bressanone, Caritas Vorarlberg and BBM with the diocese of MEKI, a competence centre for solar energy is to be established in the diocese, from which other diocesan institutions will be equipped with solar energy, thus benefiting the entire population.