Damien Frame

A community based approach for sustainable off-grid PV systems in developing countries

The energy requirements of developing countries underpin progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Rural electrification is acknowledged as key to providing a source of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Many planners and decision makers agree that the off-grid PV system has the potential to become a valued and straightforward source of electricity for remote rural communities. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to realize the potential of PV as a sustainable solution. These challenges are illustrated and highlighted by many reported cases of poor sustainability/longevity of PV installation in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reviews the sustainability of off-grid renewable energy deployments in sub-Saharan Africa along with recent attempts to define sustainable energy frameworks. The specific case of off-grid PV systems for improved educational and health facilities are considered and a community based approach for improved sustainability is proposed. Case studies illustrating practical implementation of this approach in Gambia and Malawi are described.

Northern Isles New Energy Solutions: Active network management stability limits

The Northern Isles New Energy Solutions (NINES) project is addressing the current and future energy needs of the Shetland Isles by demonstrating the integration of low carbon energy sources using smart grid technology. In so doing, NINES will facilitate a major step towards a low carbon future for Shetland whilst leading and informing the wider international low carbon energy transition. The principal objective of the NINES project is to enable more renewable connections in a geographical area that is deemed to have the richest renewable energy resources in Europe. As such, the electrically islanded Shetland power network will see significant changes in operation as district heating schemes, domestic space and water heating systems, energy storage systems and new wind connections are developed, deployed and integrated under an active network management system. This paper discusses the role of inter-dependent system models in providing essential inputs to active network management (ANM) design and configuration. Early results from model development and testing are presented with specific focus on the stability limits for the connection of additional renewable generation when operating in conjunction with frequency responsive demand.

The uncertainties of probabilistic LV network analysis

The anticipated impact of low-carbon technology and the advent of the Smart Grid has provoked increased interest in the low voltage (LV) power distribution networks. Probabilistic and long period time-series analysis of LV networks is becoming increasingly common, as is the use of unbalanced, three-phase network modeling. This paper reviews some recent approaches to probabilistic analysis of LV networks and considers the uncertainty introduced by the underlying assumptions. A specific case study analysis of electric vehicle (EV) penetration on a generic UK distribution network is used to investigate the effect of key assumptions on the results of a probabilistic analysis. The paper concludes that probabilistic LV network analysis is a powerful tool for distribution network planning, however the trade-offs between imperfect modeling data and the reliability of results need to be well understood and incorporated into the interpretation of results.

Plug-in electric vehicles as demand response to absorb local wind generation in power distribution network

It has been forecast that by 2020, the penetration of renewable generation in the UK energy mix will reach approximately 15%, predominantly from wind generation, and that the number of electric vehicles (EVs) deployed is also expected to exceed 1 million. Over the same period it is also forecast that the security of supply of the UK power system will be affected due to the increasing imbalance due to increased demand (from EVs) and uncontrolled supply (i.e. from wind). This paper studies the use of applying smart EV charging strategies to help the power system cope with high penetrations of local renewable generation. Key to this work is the recognition that domestic vehicles are parked for typically 95% of the time, hence these EVs can be utilised as a ready form of responsive demand.

Remote monitoring of off-grid renewable energy Case studies in rural Malawi, Zambia, and Gambia

Increased understanding of off-grid renewable energy technology (RET) performance can assist in improving sustainability of such systems. The technologies for remote monitoring of RET deployments in developing countries are promising with various configurations and usages being tested. Recent applications of remote monitoring technologies in Malawi, Gambia, and Zambia are presented along with their respective strengths and weaknesses. The potential for remote monitoring applications to improve sustainability of off-grid RET is explored along with some theoretical directions of the technologies.

An integrated approach to energy for development: Case study of the Malawi Renewable Energy Acceleration Programme

Advantages and challenges of an integrated approach to energy for development are presented through the Malawi Renewable Energy Acceleration Programme (MREAP) within context of the development of the Malawian energy sector. Initial indications suggest synergies exist between sub-programs of work that would otherwise be less likely to occur in non-integrated programs. Likewise, additional challenges such as coordination and management are required to realize the potential benefits. This paper presents a survey of the Malawian energy sector, an energy for development research framework and a programmatic outcome strategy designed for MREAP.

Sustainability analysis off-grid community solar PV projects in Malawi

The sustainability challenges of off-grid community energy projects using solar photovoltaics in Malawi have been widely acknowledged. However, little evidence has been produced regarding the factors that affect the sustainability of these projects. This paper presents the results of a nationwide study of community solar PV project sustainability in Malawi. The concept of sustainability as a holistic measure is defined and captured through field survey at 43 projects. A multi-factor scoring technique provides a relative ranking of the surveyed projects. The majority of projects have serious shortcomings undermining their ability to produce a positive impact as intended. The results provide useful insights to the design of solar PV projects for community energy practitioners and indicate that the underlying challenges are both internal and systematic, from a poor technical design approach to limitations in the skills required to effectively manage such projects.

Energy scenarios and implications for future electricity demand

This chapter sets out four energy scenarios for Great Britain in 2050 that are intended, as a set, to provide insight, assist strategic planning and promote discussion on future electricity networks and the electricity system as a whole. These scenarios were originally prepared by members and associates of the SuperGen FlexNet consortium for Ofgem in the context of their Long-Term Electricity Network Scenarios (LENS) project and benefited from several rounds of stakeholder consultation, workshops and peer review.