The EU project RePower aims to electrify regions currently without access to an electrical grid through microgrids powered by renewable energy and local agricultural resources. This initiative addresses the global challenge of nearly 800 million people lacking access to electricity.

Globally, nearly 800 million people lack access to electricity. A new modular plug-and-play microgrid could help change this. Powered by solar panels, biomass, batteries, and thermal storage, the microgrid aims to provide electricity to 20,000 residents in remote areas of Africa. The goal is to enable developing countries and remote areas to become self-sufficient in energy.

In the RePower project, the Danish Technological Institute is leading efforts to optimize, test, and validate these new microgrids. These small, local energy systems operate independently of the traditional grid. With the EnergyFlexLab facility, the Danish Technological Institute can test individual components, control electronics, and the complete microgrid system on Danish soil before it is transported to Africa for demonstration.

“At EnergyFlexLab, we can thoroughly optimize, test, and validate the microgrid concept before deploying it at three different locations in Africa. We also invite the technical staff who will operate the new microgrid to Denmark, where they receive training on how to handle it optimally,” says Lars Overgaard.

Beneficial for Both Climate and Local Communities

The new microgrids will be deployed and demonstrated in Madagascar, Niger, and Senegal, while similar systems are being prepared in Ghana. Many African countries have long needed more decentralized energy systems because the national grid is both unstable and far from covering the entire continent. This has caused growth and development to stagnate for residents in remote areas.

“RePower will empower African off-grid communities to drive their own development through productive use of energy. The project paves the way to go beyond traditional electrification to promote real economic growth,” says Moses Mengu, project manager at the Danish Technological Institute.

In addition to solar panels and batteries, the microgrid installed in Madagascar utilizes local biomass as an energy source. The solution converts agricultural residues, such as rice husks and straw, into electricity, heat, and sequestered carbon that can improve agricultural soil. This method also has climate benefits as an alternative form of carbon capture.

Besides the climate benefits, the solution also creates more local jobs, as the need for logistics, storage, drying, and operation requires local labor, which is crucial for both community support and growth.

The RePower project is supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe framework program for research and innovation.

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Photo: Africa GreenTec