Bruck Company Brings Solar Power to Africa

What began in 1928 with the sale of electrical goods has now, in its third generation, become a company that exports to Africa, not only offering photovoltaic systems but also ensuring that local people receive self-help. The electrification of Africa is a matter close to CEO Hannes Merl’s heart, as he has had a close connection to the continent for several years and has already realized projects in Egypt and Tanzania in addition to Senegal. “We electrify villages in Africa and help ensure that the systems can be maintained and repaired even without our assistance,” reveals Project Manager Marlene Merl.

Market Entry in Senegal

“It was a very good and straightforward collaboration, and the funding process worked without any problems,” says Merl about the “ExportKnowHow” project of the Internationalization Center Styria (ICS). The goal of the collaboration, which began in 2018, was to find a local partner to prepare Elektro Merl’s market entry in Senegal. “Through the support of the ICS, we were able to thoroughly survey the market and also found a partner who gathered all necessary information and documents regarding customs, laws, and similar matters, and handled the organizational aspects.

“It was a very good and straightforward collaboration, and the funding process worked without any problems.”

Marlene Merl | Elektro Merl GmbH

Long-term cooperations

“This project requires a lead time of three years, so we are still working with the partner,” Marlene Merl further explains. The goal, in addition to commissioning the systems, is primarily the specific training of the people. “We train local electricians so that they can take over everything themselves after the two-year warranty period,” Merl states. In total, Elektro Merl has already supplied 40 villages with electricity using photovoltaic mini-grids. Through the ICS project, they were able to set up a street lighting project in Senegal and pursue several other ideas. “During the course of the project, a supply contract was even signed,” the project manager recommends that other companies also utilize the ICS’s services.