Nestled in the turquoise waters of the western Indian Ocean, the island nation of Comoros has long struggled with severe electricity shortages. Recognized by the United Nations as one of the world’s least developed countries, its power system has historically been extremely fragile, relying almost entirely on diesel generators.
This traditional setup comes at a high cost-both economically and environmentally. Diesel fuel must be fully imported, leading to expensive logistics and complex maintenance requirements. At the same time, unstable power supply, frequent outages, and high emissions have significantly constrained local livelihoods and economic development.
Today, however, this situation is beginning to change.
A 16 MW solar PV + 9.1 MWh energy storage project, funded by the United Arab Emirates Government and developed by Global South Utilities (GSU), a subsidiary of Masdar – one of the Middle East’s largest renewable energy developers – has been successfully commissioned on Grande Comore.
As the core energy storage solution provider, WHES Energy Storage Systems has supplied its self-developed PC-G1 100 kW / 233 kWh energy storage system together with the WHES OS energy management platform, delivering stable, clean, and intelligent power to the island’s grid.
Integrated Solar–Storage–Diesel System: Building a More Resilient Microgrid
The project adopts an integrated solar–storage–diesel architecture, enabling efficient coordination between generation, storage, and demand:
- Daytime: The 16 MW PV plant supplies electricity directly to local loads. Excess energy is stored in 39 PC-G1 units, providing a total storage capacity of 3.9 MW / 9.1 MWh.
• Nighttime or periods of low solar irradiance: The storage system seamlessly discharges to support critical loads and maintain power supply stability.
Powered by the WHES OS Energy Management System, the project enables:
- optimized charging and discharging strategies
• maximum local PV utilization (zero curtailment, zero export)
• real-time grid monitoring with millisecond-level response
• active voltage and frequency stabilization
As a result, the system significantly reduces diesel generator runtime and fuel consumption, lowers carbon emissions, and increases the share of renewable energy in the island’s power mix.
The PC-G1 system, one of WHES’s flagship solutions, integrates CATL battery modules and carries globally recognized certifications, ensuring high safety standards, long operational lifespan, and strong customer confidence.
Engineered for Harsh Island Environments: The Robust PC-B System
Grande Comore presents a highly demanding operating environment – characterized by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and strong salt corrosion.
- Outdoor durability: IP55-rated protection allows long-term outdoor operation without the need for additional shelter.
• Corrosion resistance: A C5-grade anti-corrosion design ensures reliable performance even in coastal areas located just 500 meters from the shoreline.
These features ensure long-term system stability and reliability, even under the harsh environmental conditions typical of island deployments.
From Design to Delivery: End-to-End Execution
As a UAE-funded development project, strict timelines were critical.
Initially, the client considered a containerized energy storage solution. However, due to Comoros’ limited infrastructure – particularly weak port handling capacity and transportation constraints – large, heavy containers proved impractical.
WHES responded by delivering a tailored, end-to-end solution:
- Adoption of integrated cabinet-based PC-G1 systems together with step-up and combiner units
• Full pre-assembly in China prior to shipment
• Modular design compatible with standard forklifts, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment
This approach significantly reduced logistical complexity and enabled:
- Faster on-site installation and commissioning
• Shortened project delivery timelines
• High adaptability to local infrastructure conditions
In addition, WHES provided:
- Comprehensive technical and construction support to the EPC contractor
• On-site commissioning performed by experienced engineers
• Training programs for local operation and maintenance (O&M) teams
This “turnkey delivery + capability building” approach helps ensure sustainable, long-term operation of the island’s power system.
A Brighter Future for Energy Access
Today, 39 PC-G1 energy storage systems, together with the 16 MW solar PV plant, form a resilient, clean, and intelligent microgrid for Comoros.
This project represents:
- a landmark deployment of WHES technology in Africa
• a strong example of how advanced clean energy solutions can expand reliable energy access
• a meaningful contribution to grid resilience and sustainable development in emerging markets
WHES remains committed to bringing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to more islands, towns, and underserved regions -helping power communities around the world with clean and dependable electricity.
