Traditional electric grids costly, high maintenance
The instant availability of electricity is a normal, everyday occurrence for many people in the world. For some, however, the ability to access power is only an idea because they live in poor, remote areas of the world. Some regions of Africa are among these places where traditional power grids are cost prohibitive and impractical.
Traditional grid systems often rely on state subsidies (typically in the form of tariffs), are expensive to build and maintain, and are at the mercy of many natural hazards, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods, which decreases resilience. Transmission of electricity is often through high-voltage lines to reduce the loss of electricity as it travels long distances, and the high cost to erect interconnected systems literally keeps many developing nations in the dark.
Fortunately, recent technological improvements are helping that to change.
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Access to electricity becoming reality for parts of Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is known for its remote villages and sparsely populated locations that would make a traditional electrical grid system impractical. Innovative new technology is changing the ways in which power can be generated, making it more cost effective, which is helping provide alternatives to these more remote areas for access to power.
As a result, certain regions of Africa may be able to essentially “leap frog” a generation of technology due to the smart investment of off-grid electrical generation that operates using solar panels and mini-grids. This innovative new program is being partially funded by the European Investment Bank through a company, Energy Access Ventures, based in Tanzania.
The good news is that access to electricity can help boost economies, and emerging technology, including low-cost solar power, mini-grids, mobile phones, and smart meters are helping lead the way.
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Cost-effective alternatives
The program consists of a local generation source, such as a solar or wind farm outside the remote village, small ten watt panels that include a battery controlling circuitry, and a lights and phone charger. Most individuals have cells phones, and pay-as-you-go technology using a smart phone, already widely in use throughout Kenya, for example, can help to ensure payments for the panel are received (until they are paid off).
Typically, a family or individual will spend about $3 per week in kerosene, and small payments on these units cost around the same amount or slightly less, per week. Inexpensive meters that can register small amounts of electrical use are still needed, and that can be a challenge, so innovative thinking and development in this area is still needed. Mesh technology that helps smart meters talk to each other to monitor consumption is also likely to help improve supply and reduce demands.
Africa And The Policy Push For Mini-Grid Growth https://t.co/gtpLf0t4Ka by @chijiokemama
— Microgrid Media (@MicrogridMedia) March 14, 2016
Added program benefits
An additional benefit to the program is the economic growth that will be seen where it becomes available. Local jobs will be generated due to the need for installation and maintenance of the units, boosting the village’s, and thus the nation’s, economy.
Overall, microgrids offer a viable option to remote villages and locations for power through alternative energy sources due to emerging technologies. The simplistic systems are more easily maintained, allowing for greater resilience for communities, and offer hope in the face of darkness.
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