Ludwigsburg and Kongoussi: New solar projects for better education!

Ludwigsburg and Kongoussi: New solar projects for better education!

In a remarkable initiative, the city of Ludwigsburg and the Burkinabe municipality of Kongoussi are continuing their successful climate partnership. This partnership, which has existed for a decade, will be further refreshed with new projects. The most important measures include the installation of four photovoltaic systems at three primary schools and the vocational school “Centre de Formation Professionnelle de Kongoussi”. These facilities will now benefit from solar power, which not only covers their energy needs but also runs fans in the classrooms. This should significantly improve the learning conditions, especially at high outside temperatures, reports City of Ludwigsburg.

The total investment for these measures amounts to around 27,500 euros, of which an encouraging 90% is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation. Abel Dayamba, the prefect of Kongoussi, highlights the advantages of the new PV systems for energy supply. What is particularly noteworthy is that solar technology trainees at the vocational school were actively involved in the installation of the systems and were thus able to gain practical experience.

Positive impact on the community

Another big step towards sustainable development: 200 solar home systems will be distributed to needy households at the beginning of 2025. This will allow these households to receive light and charge their cell phones, which is a significant improvement for many. The focus of the ongoing projects is on increasing the quality of life, education, health and participation of the people in Kongoussi - that is the clear goal of the climate partnership.

It is also planned to equip two hospital wards with PV systems by 2026 in order to optimize basic medical care. In autumn 2025, three new wells are to be built at the vocational school, the Bango primary school and in a nearby village. These complementary projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to better serve not only students but the entire community. The construction of 15 new latrines at the vocational school is already being planned to accommodate the increased number of students.

An exemplary model for climate technologies

The climate partnership between Ludwigsburg and Kongoussi is supported by several organizations, including the Förderkreis Burkina Faso e.V., and has achieved considerable success in a total of three project phases since 2017. The importance of these partnerships is also underlined by the global challenges of climate change. Climate change could cost Africa up to 15% of gross domestic product by the end of the decade and plunge an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty European Investment Bank explained in detail.

In this context, initiatives to promote renewable energy and create sustainable systems are essential. Public-private partnerships offer a promising solution to mobilize necessary financial resources and address the challenges of climate change. The role of organizations like European Investment Bank is central to promoting green investments in countries like Burkina Faso.

Overall, this partnership illustrates the effectiveness of practical measures and long-term planning to combat climate impacts and improve living conditions in the Sahel region. The bottom line is that this is a lesson in sustainable development that could also serve as a model for other cities.