However, a new champion is emerging to liberate communities plagued with these conditions from energy scarcity, and that is microgrids. These miniature independent power generation systems are facilitating rural villages to produce and control their electricity, providing them with stabilizing and c Contact online >>
However, a new champion is emerging to liberate communities plagued with these conditions from energy scarcity, and that is microgrids. These miniature independent power generation systems are facilitating rural villages to produce and control their electricity, providing them with stabilizing and clean power.
Presently, some villages exist without having to depend on conventional power systems due to microgrids powered by solar or wind energy. These systems have been vital in changing the narrative of the energy sector in the African continent.
In many African villages, where access to electricity is scarce or nonexistent, micro-grids are the lifesavers. Unlike most utility power plants that are situated far from the village, these grids enable power generation at the village level.
They are highly sustainable and cost-efficient since they are implemented with renewable power sources such as solar power, wind energy, or even mini hydroelectric plants.
Microgrids in Africa supply energy for homes, schools, businesses, health clinics and many others, without the use of fossil fuels. They are currently seen as the ‘shining star'' across the continent, particularly in places not connected to the national electricity grids.
Electricity was once a distant dream in this remote Nigerian village. The 3,000 residents relied on costly, unreliable diesel generators, or worse, had no power. This severely limited businesses, schools, and even health services.
But everything changed when a solar-powered microgrid was installed. This microgrid now generates enough energy to power local shops, schools, and a health clinic which provides care for pregnant women and children, offering much-needed stability.
One of the key players making this happen in Africa is Husk Power Systems. Backed by the World Bank, the company is set to bring these hybrid solar microgrids to more underserved areas in Nigeria. In doing so, they aim to reduce the reliance on diesel generators and kerosene.
The village of Sikasso in Mali had challenges similar to Sabon Gida, Nigeria. Before 2020, electricity was scarce in the community, and people relied on candles and kerosene lamps.
In 2020, a transformative impact on business and living happened in Sikasso when the village installed a hybrid microgrid combining solar panels and biomass energy. Today, this system powers the homes of over 5,000 residents, revolutionizing daily life.
Many countries in Africa still have weak national electricity supply systems, where a large number of people cannot have access to electricity. Connecting more people to the grid is either too costly or impossible due to technological constraints.
However, microgrids in Africa provide a feasible solution. They are not just a short-term solution to Africa''s energy problems but rather a solution with a future. Because they are constructed at the grassroots and adjusted to the size of the community, they are suitable to operate even in the most remote regions.
Ikeoluwa Ogungbangbe, with her four-year tenure as a writer, fervently champions early leadership ideals. Her flagship program, "From Seed to Sequoia Initiative," is a testament to her commitment, where she mentors secondary school students, helping shape their futures. Ikeoluwa emphasizes the transformative power of human connections. She strongly asserts that genuine, authentic friendships and relationships are the foundational pillars that drive individual and collective success. Guiding young minds, she believes in laying down roots of integrity, passion, and resilience.
Fetching water from distant sources is a common practice in many villages in rural Africa. Niagalen Konaté is no stranger to this as she had to collect water from faraway places to irrigate her garden. But with the newly installed solar water pump, she is now able to avoid this strenuous errand. "The use of the faucet has greatly reduced water chores and increased our productivity," she says.
Mali's current rural electrification strategy relies on decentralised diesel-powered mini-grids. However, there is an increased effort to decarbonise them. The 4-Megawatt project supported by IRENA/ADFD facility in Mali is leveraging the existing infrastructure by converting diesel mini-grids to hybrid solar systems and extending it to benefit more communities with improved energy access. While avoiding 5000 tCO2e per year, the solar mini-grids also compliments the Malian government's objective to combat poverty through sustainable development.
While more than 83 per cent of Mali's population are still lacking energy access, the country has considerable potential to scale up clean energy access through solar power. Southwestern Mali alone has 53 Gigawatt of solar potential, enough to meet the whole country's power demand.
For the latest assessment on Africa's pathway to sustainable, inclusive development rooted in the energy transition, please read IRENA's report developed with the African Development Bank: Renewable Energy Market Analysis: Africa and its Regions.
About Mali rural microgrids
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Mali rural microgrids have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
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