Namibia microgrid controls

Does Namibia have a power grid?

Most un-electrified areas in Namibia are far away from the national grid and considered to have low population densities or highly dispersed settlements. Hence, it is often neither technically nor economically viable to provide access to modern energy services using the utility grid connection (Ministry of Mines and Energy 2017a).

Could a mini-grid be more profitable in Namibia?

Sufficient training in the context of entrepreneurial activities of Namibian communities could have led to a more profitable operation of the mini-grid through better use of daytime solar power and better use of energy-efficient equipment.

Why is off-grid design important in Namibia?

Therefore, the design of the guiding principles for off-grid installations under off-grid policies will play a crucial role in the future development of new mini-grids in other remote areas of Namibia. This will contribute to Namibia’s efforts to reduce the number of non-electrified regions in the country, thus advancing toward SDG 7.

Are mini-grids a viable option for energy generation?

That mini-grids are indeed acknowledged as a valid option for energy generation by the government is highlighted in the Re-newable Energy Policy (Ministry of Mines and Energy 2017b). The framework that focuses on off-grid electrifi-cation is the Off-Grid Energisation Master Plan for Namibia (OGEMP).

Are mini-grids regulated in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, mini-grids with a capacity of less than 50 kW are exempt from licensing, while systems between 50 and 100 kW are subject to a simplified procedure (Come Zebra et al. 2021). Tariff design is a regularly occurring source of conflict.

Can a mini-grid be connected to a national grid?

There are, in fact, no reasonable obstacles when connecting the mini-grid to the national grid as long as adequate com-pensation and technical arrangements have been defined (Franz et al. 2014). Still, governments regularly fear losing flexibility.