Researchers at the University of Rwanda and Colorado State University's (CSU) Energy Institute have joined forces to create microgrids that will provide energy access to rural, off-grid communities in Rwanda and across Sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda's government estimates that only 20 percent of the population has access to reliable, safe … [Read more...]
Rwanda journalist Nsamaza Steven offers an insider's view of how local mini grids or ‘Ekocenters’ are changing rural villages that lack connection to a central electric grid. Ndego, Eastern Rwanda: As the evening closes after sunset, ushering in the darkness over the skies of kabusunzu, a village located in Eastern Rwanda, Safari Africa closes … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain Institute’s Andrew Allee describes a problem arising out of electrification in Nigeria. Minigrids are electrifying rural areas, but residents do not benefit if they cannot afford appliances.
A microgrid is a discrete energy system consisting of distributed energy sources (e.g. renewables, conventional, storage) and loads capable of operating in parallel with, or independently from, the main grid. The primary purpose is to ensure reliable, affordable energy security for commercial, industrial and federal government consumers. Benefits that extend to utilities and the community at large include lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower stress on the transmission and distribution system.
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