Technology and solidarity in the service of rural areas
In many isolated rural areas, access to drinking water, energy, and essential services remains a daily challenge. However, at the heart of these territories, sustainable solutions emerge when technology serves humanity.
It is in this logic that Weenav is proud to support Potamaï, an association committed for over 10 years to the development of the autonomy of rural communities through river energy.
Potamaï: harnessing the current of the waters to transform lives
Potamaï — "river goddesses" in Greek — relies on a local, renewable, and continuous resource: the current of rivers. Thanks to river turbines, now manufactured locally in Congo, the energy produced powers 24/7 Essential Service Units (ESU) co-defined with the residents:
- Access to treated drinking water
- Agri-food transformation
- Cold chain
- Training spaces
- Lighting and daily uses
At the heart of the project: the central involvement of women, who define priorities, train for new jobs, and strengthen their economic autonomy.
The role of Weenav: electric motorisation in the service of the field
As part of the project launched in 2024 in partnership with the University of Lille and funded by the Hauts-de-France Region, Weenav has supported Potamaï in the electrification of river mobility.
Specifically, we provided an electric outboard motor Weenav, integrated into a unique local energy ecosystem.
What the Weenav electric motorisation enables on the ground
- Recharge of the motor every night thanks to the energy produced by the hydro turbine
- Zero fuel, zero dependence on external supplies
- Daily deliveries of bread and drinking water
- Transporting young people to training locations
- Silent, clean navigation, suited to rivers and local uses
A 100% electric river mobility, reliable, efficient and aligned with environmental and social challenges.
A technology that makes sense
At Weenav, we design high-performance electric propulsion solutions. But this project reminds us of one essential thing: technology only has value when it concretely improves lives.
Here, the electricity produced by the river becomes:
- Drinking water in the villages
- Training in sewing, baking, agri-food processing
- Income, autonomy, dignity
The Weenav electric motorisation is part of a comprehensive strategy for energy, food and social autonomy.
A reproducible model for other territories
The ambition of Potamaï is clear: to deploy this model in other isolated villages, in Africa and beyond. A model based on:
- Local resources
- Robust and frugal technologies
- The transfer of skills
- And inclusive community governance
Weenav is proud to contribute to this vision by bringing its expertise in electric river propulsion, suitable for both professional uses and social impact projects.
At Weenav, we believe in a useful, human, and concrete electric transition.
Whether it is for professional river navigation or high societal impact projects, our solutions do not just move boats: they help advance territories.
Do you have an electric motorisation project? Contact Weenav
Because innovation makes sense when it serves humanity.
Published on 23/12/2025
Writer: Sophie Castelain