Vaisala unveils a new era in sustainable and reliable weather insights by powering Ethiopia’s new weather radar network with solar energy Published: Nov 23, 2022 Press Releases Vaisala Press release November 23, 2022 Vaisala unveils a new era in sustainable and reliable weather insights by powering Ethiopia’s new weather radar network with solar energy Utilizing clean solar energy power will allow Ethiopia’s new weather radar network to operate with highest availability so decision-makers can focus on safety. Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, took another step in modernizing Ethiopia’s weather and climate observations by powering a C-band Weather Radar with a solar power system on-site. The solar panels and backup batteries ensure constant uptime of the weather radar, which in turn enables weather authorities maintain reliable operations and honor Vaisala’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The weather radar network in Ethiopia is renewed and expanded as part of a project to advance the country’s capability in weather forecasting. To overcome challenges posed by an unreliable electricity grid, the new solar power system will keep the weather radar continuously operational and with its battery backup system for up to four days even without solar radiation. “Climate change feeds extreme weather around the world, including Ethiopia, where people are more vulnerable to the impact of severe weather events like flooding, drought, and hail,” said Jarkko Sairanen, Executive Vice President, Weather and Environment, Vaisala. “Through the solar powered weather radar network we bring another industry first solution, which raises the capabilities of Ethiopian authorities to provide their society insights in a reliable way in a difficult environment while simultaneously providing another step toward a healthier planet for us all." Image The now launched solar powered weather radar is the first one in a network of 4 C-band weather radars to be installed in Ethiopia. Vaisala is committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and received the Carnegie Sustainability Award this year for its leadership in sustainable business practices. For more information on this unique project in Ethiopia, please visit Vaisala’s meteorological infrastructure project in Ethiopia gets go-ahead | Vaisala. More information for the media Kendra Westerkamp, Comprise Tel. +1 720 261 2300 [email protected] About Vaisala Vaisala is a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements. Building on over 85 years of experience, Vaisala provides observations for a better world, with space-proof technology even exploring Mars and beyond. We are a reliable partner for customers around the world, offering a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs over 2,000 professionals worldwide and is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange. www.vaisala.com twitter.com/VaisalaGroup linkedin.com/Vaisala Attachment Ethiopia Photos: Kalle Rieppola and Esa Kurula
