FutureGrid: Use of Microgrids in Underserved Communities

Abstract

Rural electrification in developing countries—especially Sub-Saharan Africa—has trailed urban development drastically. The extreme costs associated with expanding traditional grid networks, and the relatively few people they serve, have proved to be a serious economic barrier. Being able to generate and distribute electricity at an affordable rate is crucial in order to effectively power homes, schools, health clinics, and private business. Through this continued cycle and lack of access to electricity, poverty only continues. If given access, quality of life increases through more educated, longer, and healthier lives as well as through developed entrepreneurship and business growth. Unfortunately, because of the remoteness of many communities they are often dismissed as unreachable. Further- more, microgrids help address another global need: increased renewable energy penetra- tion. Small-scale energy production lends itself to solar installations, but depending on the location and available resources, wind and hydropower can also play an important role.