Overcoming local constraints when developing renewable energy systems for the electrification of remote areas in Africa

Joseph Kenfack,Paul Salomon Ngohe Ekam,Urbain Nzotcha,Jeanine K Lewetchou,Joseph Voufo

doi:10.1051/rees/2019007

Joseph Kenfack, Paul Salomon Ngohe Ekam + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1051/rees/2019007

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Abstract

Sub Saharan Africa has a great renewable energy potential. Rural areas are suffering from poor energy access. Some systems designed to address this issue are still faced with some difficulties. Appropriate approaches and energy plant development will help remote areas to address the issue of electricity access. The current development of some micro hydro and micro solar energy plants is of poor quality and maintenance, sometimes resulting in failures. There are also some common mistakes made when promoting (designing) an energy system in an African environment. Identifying issues from local constraints and lessons learned will contribute to determining the appropriate sizing, technology and tools to correctly develop micro hydro and micro solar energy plants.

Highlights

Sub Saharan Africa is sunny, has an extensive area with high rainfall, and is not windy
This paper proposes how to address them and how to avoid repeating such
We found that the environment in a developing country is not an easy one in which to operate

Summary

Introduction

Sub Saharan Africa is sunny, has an extensive area with high rainfall, and is not windy. The continent, has an important renewable energy potential, primarily in the forms of solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass energy. As demonstrated in the mining sector [1], the preparation for the continent to address the issue in energy sector is crucial. For a number of reasons, this important potential is still suffering from poor development or inappropriate development. The capacity developed far in remote areas is still suffering from poor quality, leading to poor efficiency and experience. The main cause of the poor use of renewable energy is, among other issues, the approach, the standards that do not necessarily match the local environmental and social conditions. There are some common mistakes we often make when designing the systems

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