Technology and solidarity at the service of rural areas
In many remote rural areas, access to clean water, energy, and essential services remains a daily challenge. However, in the heart of these territories, sustainable solutions emerge when technology is put at the service of humans.
It is in this logic that Weenav is proud to support Potamay, an association that has been committed for more than 10 years to the development of the autonomy of rural communities thanks to river energy.
Potamaï: drawing on the flow of water to transform lives
Potamaï — “river goddesses” in Greek — relies on a local, renewable and continuous resource: The current of the rivers. Thanks to river tidal turbines, now manufactured locally in Congo, the energy produced powers 24 hours a day Essential Service Units (USEs) co-defined with the inhabitants:
- Access to treated drinking water
- Food processing
- 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: an electric engine at the service of the field
As part of the project launched in 2024 in partnership with the University of Lille and financed by the Hauts-de-France Region, Weenav supported Potamaï in the electrification of river mobility.
Concretely, we provided a Weenav electric outboard motor, integrated into a unique local energy ecosystem.
What does the Weenav electric motor allow in the field
- Recharge the engine every night using the energy produced by the tidal turbine
- Zero fuel, zero dependence on external supplies
- Daily bread and drinking water deliveries
- Bringing young people to training sites
- Silent, clean navigation adapted to rivers and local uses
One 100% electric river mobility, reliable, sober and in line with environmental and social challenges.
Technology that makes sense
At Weenav, we design efficient electric propulsion solutions. But this project reminds us of one essential thing: Technology is only valuable when it makes a real difference in lives.
Here, the electricity produced by the river becomes:
- Drinking water in the villages
- Training courses in sewing, baking, food processing
- Income, autonomy, dignity
The Weenav electric motor is integrated into a global strategy for energy, food and social autonomy.
A reproducible model for other territories
Potamaï's ambition is clear: deploy this model in other landlocked villages, in Africa and elsewhere. A model based on:
- Local resources
- Robust and simple technologies
- The transfer of skills
- And inclusive community governance
Weenav is proud to contribute to this vision by bringing its expertise in fluvial electric propulsion, suitable for professional uses as well as for projects with a social impact.
At Weenav, we believe in a useful, human and concrete electrical transition.
Whether it is professional navigation, river navigation, or projects with a high societal impact, our solutions do not just move boats forward: they contribute to the advancement of territories.
Do you have an electric motorization project? Contact Weenav
Because innovation makes perfect sense when it serves people.
Posted on 23/12/25
Editor: Sophie Castelain
