A review of renewable off-grid mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa

Babayomi, Oluleke; Olubayo, Babatunde; Denwigwe, Iheanacho H.; Somefun, Tobilola Emmanuel; Adedoja, Oluwaseye Samson; Somefun, Comfort T.; Olukayode, Kevwe; Attah, Amarachi

doi:10.3389/fenrg.2022.1089025

Cited by 13 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 142 publications

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“…Energy solutions for off-grid electrification may be funded through different schemes like loans, equities, grants, and subsidies depending on the technological choice and the main stakeholders involved (private like independent power producer, public or public-private partnership). A thorough view is provided in [122], where the authors also offer a practical evidence-based perspective on five potential tariffs structures (uniform, cost-reflective, bid, willing buyer, willing seller, and hybrid) designed by balancing the needs of governments, developers, and customers that may represent an updated guidelines for energy planner.…”

Section: Bm Formulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Colombo,

Crevani,

Stevanato

et al. 2024

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy remains a critical goal under the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Based on traditional engineering approaches, many energy solution planning tools have been developed for identifying the optimal solution in these areas to assess the competition across different technological options. Nevertheless, these approaches based on an economic optimum, do not necessarily grant long-term sustainability of the solution in specific local context, since they are not able to capture any of the social implication within the Energy-Development nexus. Moreover, also in the light of the 2030 Agenda, scientific and grey literature on energy access highlights how energy solutions planning methodologies developed in the last decades need to be complemented by a more comprehensive view, in order to integrate evidence from various disciplines, especially engineering and social sciences. Based on the above consideration, this paper introduces a novel framework under the name of Comprehensive Energy Solution Planning (CESP), where three engineering phases are complemented by other three social sciences-based phases, each one characterized by specific tools, to offer an informed decision framework for the local planner. CESP encompasses a set of techno-economic and socio-technical actions aiming at preventing potential failure as evidenced by a a counterfactual analysis used to identify the reasons behind past project failures. The CESP framework, presenting a sequential and iterative structure which underlines the cyclic perspective of an holistic decision process where : social sciences feed the engineering analysis, and vice versa The CESP, emerges as a practical and applicable framework for supporting energy planning in critical areas.

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Section: Bm Formulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Colombo,

Crevani,

Stevanato

et al. 2024

Environ. Res. Lett.

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“…Some key clean energy initiatives in Nigeria include (Esho, et. al The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has spearheaded efforts to electrify rural and underserved areas through off-grid and renewable energy solutions, such as solar mini-grids, standalone solar systems, and small-scale hydroelectric projects (Babayomi et al, 2023). Nigeria has abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.…”

Section: Case Study: Nigeriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing environmental justice in clean energy policy: Comparative case studies from the United States and Nigeria

Portia Oduro,

Peter Simpa,

Darlington Eze Ekechukwu

2024

Global J. Eng. Technol. Adv.

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This paper explores the intersection of environmental justice and clean energy policy through a comparative analysis of case studies from the United States and Nigeria. Environmental justice, defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decisions, is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of transitioning to clean energy systems. By examining clean energy policies and initiatives in both countries, this study aims to identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned in addressing environmental justice considerations. In the United States, the analysis focuses on federal and state-level clean energy policies, assessing their impact on marginalized communities and efforts to promote equity in access to clean energy resources. Similarly, in Nigeria, attention is given to government-led clean energy initiatives and their implications for environmental justice, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through a comparative lens, this paper highlight’s common themes and divergent approaches to addressing environmental justice in clean energy policy between the two countries. It identifies opportunities for cross-country collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance equitable and sustainable energy transitions globally. The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental justice principles into clean energy policy development and implementation, with recommendations provided for policymakers and stakeholders to promote inclusivity, fairness, and community engagement in shaping the future of clean energy.

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“…However, the source of energy used in an offgrid community is significantly influenced by presence of the domestic solar power in the Southern Hemisphere of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Currently, the most common source of solar power in SSA for off-grid mini-grids is solar energy [18,19,20,21]. Solar or solar hybrid systems made up 63% of over 8,100 mini-grids in Asia and Africa.…”

Section: Sources Of Clean Energy and Technology For Mini-grids In Sou...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Solar or solar hybrid systems made up 63% of over 8,100 mini-grids in Asia and Africa. Hydro, diesel/heavy fuel oil and biomass made up the remaining 11% and 3% of the systems, respectively [22]. To achieve energy access goals through sustainable electrification of SSA, it is essential to hybridize different energy sources in light of available resources and technological and economic constraints.…”

Section: Sources Of Clean Energy and Technology For Mini-grids In Sou...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Maximizing Solar Integration: Enhancing Off-grid Rural Energy Storage in Zambia

Chambalile,

Su,

Phiri

et al. 2024

JERR

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Energy stands as an indispensable aspect of contemporary human life. This study endeavours to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of photovoltaics (PV) for sustainable electricity supply in Africa, with a particular focus on Zambia. The primary objectives include assessing the current state of PV integration, identifying key obstacles, and highlighting potential applications in critical areas such as irrigation, rural electrification, and water heating. Drawing upon the latest research on PV in Africa, this study synthesizes information from the top ten most cited studies, with a specific emphasis on the complexities involved in large-scale PV integration. The research design entails a comprehensive review of technical aspects such as storage and bifacial modules, providing insights into the challenges faced in optimizing PV systems. The study primarily centres on Zambia, a country endowed with significant solar potential. Through case studies, it demonstrates the feasibility of employing PV for vital applications such as irrigation and rural electrification. The timeframe encompasses recent years, reflecting the dynamic nature of PV research and implementation. To evaluate the advantages and obstacles of PV adoption, a multifaceted approach is employed. This includes examining the potential of PV in specific applications, analyzing electrification rates in Zambian urban and rural areas (57% and 13% respectively), and identifying barriers such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of training. Additionally, thermal systems are considered, emphasizing both untapped potential and the limitations of solar cookers. The study incorporates interviews conducted in Lwangwa Village to gather firsthand perspectives on the use and necessity of energy. Furthermore, data from previous literature is utilized to compile valuable insights into the demand for clean energy in Zambia. Key findings underscore the untapped potential of PV in Zambia, highlighting its capacity to enhance energy access and reduce emissions. However, significant challenges exist, necessitating targeted policies, financial mechanisms, and community engagement to foster widespread adoption. Addressing infrastructure limitations, maintenance needs, costs, and social factors is essential to fully realize the benefits of PV implementation. Zambia's abundant solar resources present a promising pathway towards sustainable energy. However, strategic planning and support are imperative for successful PV integration. Future research endeavors should focus on investigating specific challenges arising from clean energy adoption, including potential health effects and negative impacts, to further advance sustainable energy initiatives.

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A review of renewable off-grid mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa

Cited by 13 publications

References 142 publications

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Addressing environmental justice in clean energy policy: Comparative case studies from the United States and Nigeria

Maximizing Solar Integration: Enhancing Off-grid Rural Energy Storage in Zambia

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