Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 17:59 .

Phaesun GmbH and Solar Cooling Innovations in Kenya

Phaesun GmbH, established in 2001 in Germany, plays a pivotal role in enhancing solar cooling technology in Kenya. The company focuses on optimizing photovoltaics (PV) off-grid systems and emphasizes rural electrification and self-consumption backup systems. The Self-Chill solar cooling technology, designed for energy storage using water, enables efficient cold storage for various applications, including preserving dairy products and creating ice blocks. Over 50 solar cooling systems have been implemented across Africa, primarily in Kenya, where research and innovation have thrived. These systems significantly reduce post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers by providing an alternative to traditional refrigeration, ultimately lowering the carbon footprint. Despite the positive outcomes, cold room operators struggle with the recovery of capital investments due to low usage rates, emphasizing the need for financial support mechanisms to sustain these systems. The innovative cooling solutions also highlight the importance of local material sourcing and community-centric models to enhance economic viability and tailor designs to local needs.

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Speaker

Géraldine Quelle
Project Manager
Phaesun GmbH
Germany

Talk of session: Off-Grid: Innovation and Technologies

For many years, the photovoltaic (PV) market was dominated by grid feed-in systems. Increasingly affordable solar modules and storage systems have been changing this picture. The resulting competitive situation is leading to new results when evaluating whether a grid connection makes sense for a particular use or not. However, off-grid applications for thermal energy are also gaining importance, such as solar-electric heating and cooking. Innovative system design as well as innovative storage and applications are shifting into focus.

Further Talks of this session:

Solar Electric Cooking for Off-Grid Markets: Concept and Field-Test Insights

Speaker

Elisabeth Rüd
Co-Founder & Operations Lead, Feutonix
Ulm University of Applied Sciences
Germany

To Talk

Carbon trading in solar cooking

Speaker

Stefan Zelazny
Managing Director
Access to Energy Institute
Germany

To Talk

Productive Use of Renewable Energy (Pure): Insights From Ongoing Off-Grid Projects

Speaker

Mithil Barath
Promotions & Communications Coordinator
Asantys Systems GmbH
Germany

To Talk

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