Clean and green: Solar-powered health care in Central African Republic

Breaking the dependence on diesel generators

Before the introduction of these solar systems, most hospitals supported by MSF relied entirely on diesel generators, while health centers simply had no electricity at all. In Batangafo, for instance, the hospital consumed around 800 gallons of fuel per month, while in Bossangoa, consumption reached almost 1,500 gallons a month, at an average cost of around $13 per gallon.

Today, the hybrid solar installations provide hospitals with stable, clean, and autonomous energy, while drastically reducing fuel and generator maintenance costs. This transition also limits dependence on diesel, for which transport to remote areas remains complex and expensive. Beyond the economic and logistical benefits, it has brought about a significant reduction in the carbon footprint, contributing to environmental protection and the long-term sustainability of medical activities.

“Since the system was commissioned six months ago, the hospital has not needed to rely solely on diesel generators—electricity is available continuously, day and night” says Clément Dakha, radiology technician at Batangafo Hospital.

Reliable energy for continuous, safe care

The change is equally striking at Bossangoa Hospital. “Today, we only use about 400 gallons per month,” explains Fuh Hanson, MSF energy specialist. This shift represents an annual saving of around 12,600 gallons of diesel and a reduction of more than 130 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Further south, in Bangassou, the solar panel installations already provide nearly half of the regional hospital’s energy needs, and an ongoing extension will soon increase this to 80 percent. Several MSF-supported health facilities in the region have also been equipped, allowing them to reliably maintain the cold chain for vaccines and provide emergency night services—such as childbirth and surgical interventions.

In the capital, at the Community University Hospital Center of Bangui, MSF has installed a 120-kWh solar system dedicated to the gynecology and internal medicine departments. This installation ensures a permanent and reliable power supply, essential for the smooth running of medical activities in these high-demand services.

Human, economic, and environmental impacts

The introduction of these sustainable energy systems goes far beyond a technical improvement. It transforms the daily lives of medical teams and patients. Solar energy stabilizes the operation of operating theaters, laboratories, and cold rooms. It also enhances patient safety by ensuring nighttime lighting and the continuous operation of vital medical equipment.

Economically, the reduction in fuel consumption and generator maintenance costs allows financial resources to be redirected toward medical care. At the same time, decreased CO₂ emissions contribute to MSF’s global climate objectives.

MSF has a goal to reduce our global carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Our deployment of solar systems in CAR shows how it is possible to combine humanitarian action with environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

In a country where humanitarian needs remain immense, solar energy represents far more than a technical solution: It is a driver of autonomy and resilience for health facilities and a source of hope for local communities.

Through these initiatives, MSF is working with local authorities to not only improve long-term access to health care but also to help protect the planet. By investing in clean energy solutions, we are taking on a path toward greener, more responsible, and more resilient humanitarian action—in the service of health and life.