Challenge:
In a developing African country, many rural communities lack reliable access to electricity, limiting economic development and quality of life. The client is a team of innovators who sought to develop a sustainable energy solution that leveraged local renewable resources to provide consistent and affordable power for households, businesses, and essential services.
Solution:
We supported the client in designing and implementing hybrid wind and solar-based micro and mini-grid systems and mapped out potential locations for their deployment. These grids combine photovoltaic panels and wind turbines with battery storage and smart grid technology to ensure energy reliability and efficiency.
Key steps:
- Resource Assessment & Site Selection: Conducted feasibility studies to analyse wind speeds, solar radiation, and grid requirements across target communities.
- System Design & Optimization: Engineered several propositions for modular hybrid systems that integrate solar PV, wind turbines, and battery storage and are tailored to local energy demands.
- Community Engagement & Capacity Building: Worked with partners to promote the community ownership and long-term sustainability through training programs.
- Pilot Implementation & Performance Monitoring: Installed several weather stations to validate the modelling-based renewables assessment to provide a glide path to operational efficiency and scalability.
Results:
- Reliable Electricity Access for 5,000+ People: Enabled households, schools, and small businesses to access clean and stable power.
- Reduction in Diesel Dependency: Replaced expensive and polluting fuel generators with renewable sources.
- Economic Upliftment & Job Creation: Empowered local entrepreneurs by providing stable power for businesses and productive uses.
- Scalable & Replicable Model: Created a blueprint for future deployments in similar off-grid regions.
Additional information can be provided upon request.
