Renewable Mini-Grid Assessment in South Africa
Location: Mbandana and Dumsi villages, South Africa
- Solar
- Wind
Status: Completed in 2004
Project Leader: ScottishPower
Key results
- Studied the feasibility of installing a wind-solar-diesel mini-grid in 2 remote rural communities in South Africa, contributing to their socioeconomic development
- Published findings to share experience and results with interested parties involved in the various social, technical and economic aspects of rural electrification in South Africa and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Location: Mbandana and Dumsi villages, South Africa
- Solar
- Wind
Status: Completed in 2004
Project Leader: ScottishPower
We completed a pre-feasibility analysis of the benefits of installing a renewable (wind-solar-diesel) mini-grid in remote rural communities in South Africa without access to electricity. Our study analyzes how the renewable mini-grid model of rural electrification can contribute to the development of rural communities in South Africa and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Back in 2003, GSEP was looking to develop a demonstration project in South Africa using off-grid mini-hybrid systems that would be eligible for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) status, be replicable, and be financially and economically sustainable. After identifying promising sites, we completed this pre-feasibility study that yielded positive conclusions. However, due to a change in electrification plans in South Africa, the sites chosen were no longer eligible for implementation.
Nevertheless, we published the findings from our pre-feasibility study. Interested parties with similar rural electrification projects and programs in the region can benefit from the conclusions and lessons learned.
Participating members and partners
- ScottishPower
- EDF
- Hydro-Québec
- Kansai Electric Power
- RWE
- Eskom