Potential for Increased Rural Electrification Rate in Sub-Saharan Africa using SWER Power Distribution Networks

Michael Irechukwu,Mushi Mushi

doi:10.52339/tjet.v39i2.707

Michael Irechukwu, Mushi Mushi

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v39i2.707

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Abstract

Rural electrification rate (RER) in Africa is still low to date. Several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have tried to address this problem using conventional single- phase two-wire or three-phase three-wire systems, however at large costs due to the nature of dispersed rural load centres, low load demand, and low population density. Another solution of off-grid generation creates associated health problems. Therefore, this paper undertakes a review of a single wire earth return (SWER) network as a RER improvement solution. The paper undertakes intensive literature review to elucidate challenges and solutions to the implementation of SWER technology. Advantages of SWER technology discussed make it the choice for RER improvement in Sub-Saharan African countries. After that, a case study is selected in rural Tanzania, and a preliminary SWER network design is undertaken.

Highlights

Majority of grid-connected rural electrification (RE) technology in Africa are the single-phase two-wire (SPTW) distribution system and the three-phase three wire (TPTW) distribution system, called conventional technologies. Mahanthege (2015) cited a study that presented data of rural electrification rate (RER) in Sub-Saharan Africa at about 14.2%
The RER in Sub-Saharan Africa has slightly increased from 5% in 2002 (Davidson and Mwakasonda, 2004) to
Despite the envisaged low investment costs required for single wire earth return (SWER) implementation, the technology has not been widely incorporated into power distribution planning in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby rendering vast regions un-electrified

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Majority of grid-connected rural electrification (RE) technology in Africa are the single-phase two-wire (SPTW) distribution system and the three-phase three wire (TPTW) distribution system, called conventional technologies. Mahanthege (2015) cited a study that presented data of rural electrification rate (RER) in Sub-Saharan Africa at about 14.2%. Despite the envisaged low investment costs required for SWER implementation, the technology has not been widely incorporated into power distribution planning in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby rendering vast regions un-electrified This is thought to be brought about by limited or lack of sufficient technical know-how that is prevalent in many utilities in the region. In Southern African Development Community (SADC), cost of rural electrification by grid extension to small, remote and dispersed loads is expensive, featuring high leading to energy poverty (Gonzalez-Eguino, 2015) This has acted as the main barrier for financing projects that will increase RER, thereby, forcing these countries governments to rely heavily on foreign aid (Kimambo and Nielsen, 2012).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings

Methodology for the Design of Rural