Are off-grid power systems sustainable for rural electrification?

Economic challenges dominate sustainable delivery of off-grid power systems for rural electrification. Off-grid hybrid power systems with renewable energy as the primary resource remain the best option to electrify rural/remote areas in developing countries to help attain universal electricity access by 2030.

What is an off-grid power system?

Off-grid Power Systems (OGPS) with renewable energy (RE) sources offer an alternative pathway to achieving total electrification in such circumstances . The IEA, in a 2011 study, attested that the expansion of the grid is effective for urban areas and 30% of unelectrified rural areas . The remaining 70% is best suited for off-grid systems.

Could off-grid solar play a role in Africa?

Our research explores the role off-grid solar could play in different scenarios in Africa. It covered 43 countries for which data is available, and that are home to more than 99% of the continent’s population without access. Below, we will highlight two countries, Nigeria and Mozambique.

Is off-grid solar a viable alternative to a traditional grid network?

But solar’s economic viability versus the traditional grid network depends on the level of demand for electricity. At low electricity usage (tier 2 or 200Wh per day), off-grid solar beats traditional electricity grid networks. It meets the energy needs of a higher proportion of the population (60%) at lower cost.

Is off-grid solar power cheaper in Nigeria?

As it is for Nigeria, off-grid solar power is cheaper for lower electricity usage levels. Off-grid solar would, by our estimates, be cheapest for between 28% and 88% of the 16 million people, depending on demand levels. When carbon pricing is factored in, this increases to 88% from 50%, with the greatest impact seen at higher demand levels.

Will Africa fully bypass centralized grid service?

With regard to off-grid generation in Africa, although off-grid resources have a role to play in expanding electric service, based on the extent of the existing electric grid infrastructure in Africa North, the continent is unlikely to fully bypass centralized grid service.