The Case for Microgrids in Electrifying Sub-Saharan Africa

Microgrids are gaining momentum in the modern power world. This is largely due to their proximity to loads, their relatively high renewable energy penetration and their minimal complexity. Microgrids with high renewable energy content suit well developing countries and Sub-Saharan African countries in particular. Because these countries consist of primarily distributed and mostly remote rural communities whose energy needs are relatively low, grid extension becomes quite a costly option. Luckily, Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with lots of untapped renewable energy potentials, and only by fully tapping them can it achieve sustainable socio-economic development through increased rural electrification. In this paper, energy potentials of the Sub-Saharan region as well as various challenges that impede rural electrification efforts in this part of the continent are presented first. Then, feasible solutions are suggested for this poverty stricken region in general and, finally, Rwanda is particularly considered as a focus case. Electrification solutions for Rwamiko village in Rwanda are simulated using HOMER and a microgrid made up by PV, batteries and a microhydro plant proved to be a more viable solution than grid extension to the village. These results can serve as a reference for future rural electrification projects in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa in general.