Responding to COVID-19/Coronavirus where Grid Electricity is Unavailable or Unreliable

The World Bank’s ESMAP is pleased to announce the launch of a tool to help solve electricity shortages for health care facilities responding to COVID-19 in an affordable, resilient manner. The HOMER Powering Health Tool is intended for project managers, engineers and financiers working with hospitals and clinics in developing countries where grid electricity is unavailable or unreliable.

The tool simplifies the process of sizing distributed generation systems to meet a facility’s needs. Users can customize selections from a pre-populated list of typical medical equipment to screen, test and treat COVID-19 patients alongside other health care services. Based on the given power needs and supply options, the tool calculates least-cost combinations of batteries, distributed solar PV, and diesel generator sets, including as back-up to grid electricity if available for a certain number of hours each day. The tool uses the proprietary HOMER® software (Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources), developed and distributed by HOMER Energy by UL.

Building on an earlier version commissioned by USAID’s Powering Health program, the tool has been updated with funding from ESMAP including in context of the Energy Storage Partnership and in collaboration with We Care Solar and various experts.

Webinar and Formal Launch | Upcoming Training | Access the Tool, User Guide and Other Resources

Contact:  Alan D. Lee