low
access to electricity

Improving access is a key driver for development and plays an important role in poverty reduction

low
access to electricity

Improving access is a key driver for development and plays an important role in poverty reduction

low
access to electricity

Improving access is a key driver for development and plays an important role in poverty reduction

How do we do it?

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) uses a methodology based in geo-economic analysis.

We use population, resources, technical and economic data to estimate and map the economic potential of different technology options.

We aim at raising awareness on renewable energies’ potential and helping in decision making process.

We made assumptions. Do you want to see how your own decisions change the landscape of rural electrification option in rural Africa? Try it!

Population

Electrification initiatives targeting rural populations must be shaped according to:

• their electricity needs (how much and when the electricity is needed)

• its distribution (sparse/dense)

• its future dynamics (growth rate and increase of demand)

Electricity grid

At present, grid-based electricity is insufficient to meet electricity demand in sub-Saharan Africa. Network losses are very high and outages frequent.

Yet, grid extension has been the preferred option in some countries to bring electricity to rural communities.

Extending the grid to remote areas with sparse populations may not make economic sense.

Renewable sources

Decentralised energy is produced close to where it will be used: adapted to local conditions can offer a competitive option for rural electrification.

Decentralised renewable based solutions options can be: small-scale hydropower, biomass combustion or small-scale gasification, onshore wind or photovoltaic systems.

Renewable energies offer environmental advantages over conventional fossil fuel based technologies.

DIESEL

For diesel generators, fuel consumption is the major portion of the cost per unit of electricity produced.

The fuel has to be transported from main cities to rural areas, increasing the potential environmental risks.