Researchers from the Netherlands have successfully tested a world-first solar-powered ambulance that can operate entirely off-grid and generate a surplus energy supply, representing a potential “gamechanger” for healthcare provision in remote locations.
According to a press release, Solar Team Eindhoven from Eindhoven University of Technology, in partnership with international health organisation Amref Health Africa, demonstrated their “Stella Juva” technology in trials in Kenya.
The solar ambulance is fitted with solar panels on the roof and generates energy while stationary via the use of extendable panels on the sides of the vehicle. This energy proved “to be sufficient to drive and to power medical equipment,” the team said. That equipment included an X-ray machine, ultrasound, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and cooling apparatus for vaccines.
Bringing healthcare directly to people, the researchers tested Stella Juva in the field around Kenya’s Narok region. The solar ambulance is approved for use on public roads, meaning that it could be deployed on both paved and unpaved roads, reflecting the reality of the conditions the vehicle could ultimately face. At one point, the team spent six hours travelling on challenging roads to reach a remote field location in Mosiro.
In total, the team covered more than 800 km, suffering only one issue en route – a broken steering rod, which was replaced within half an hour. This demonstrated “that the solar ambulance is reliable and performs well under challenging conditions,” the team claims. The vehicle generated more solar energy than it consumed whilst using all the medical equipment simultaneously.
“It is really great for the team to see the potential of Stella Juva in practice”, says team manager Mathijs van Gerven. “Not only to drive sustainably, but also to be able to provide fully independent care. Especially in remote areas where energy is often scarce, this can make all the difference.”
Health workers from facilities that Amref Health Africa works with tested the medical equipment and have hailed its promise. “Now that we have seen what Stella Juva can do in practice, we see enormous potential for remote communities. This could truly be a gamechanger”, says Geoffrey Sadera, project lead, maternal and child health at Amref Health Africa.
Narok is not the only example of a place where Stella Juva could make a real difference: one third of Kenya’s counties face similar challenges, with populations living at least two hours from care facilities, High levels of maternal and child mortality is just one consequence. “If we could deploy Stella Juva in these areas, the potential impact could be enormous: we could identify risks earlier, intervene sooner, and ultimately save lives,” Sadera explained. For example, during a single outreach, 30 to 40 pregnant women could receive an ultrasound in their own community, the researchers noted.
With the power and medical equipment required to examine and diagnose people on the spot, Stella Juva could revolutionise healthcare provision in remote destinations, making a tangible difference to locals, as well as to volunteer workers and visitors to these regions.
