Microgrids can bring power to Africa

When planned and integrated effectively, microgrid solutions provide energy security and can reduce electricity cost and emissions for industrial users, utilities, developers and communities.

“Microgrids are competitively priced and these advanced systems can also be deployed quickly, with relatively short design, commissioning and construction timelines. Other larger-scale alternatives can take years to move through development and completion,” explains Webb Meko, business development director, sub-Saharan Africa, Black & Veatch.

“The next generation of microgrids includes the integration of renewable energy generators with fossil-fuelled resources, storage and demand management. These systems enhance the reliability of remote power systems while also reducing costs and emissions.”

The continent’s rapid development – and uptake of - mobile telecom networks and infrastructure could signal that Africa is well-positioned to similarly embrace microgrid solutions.

Reliability and emissions also improve when combining solutions such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and diesel-fueled generators, which are both backups for generation gaps.

Microgrid projects are scalable - single projects or programme deployment - and provide a unique value proposition by bringing new capacity to the grid and powering critical facilities with increased assurance. Microgrids can also be planned and built within months with modular equipment – or 12 months for larger, more complex systems and programmes.

Programmatic approaches can be advantageous, as costs can be shared between stakeholders. Lower installation costs can also be achieved with strong project controls and effective programme management. Completing detailed upfront feasibility studies define the project or programme parameters, along with related costs and schedule. This work is important ahead of implementation that includes engaging engineering design experts, equipment suppliers, and EPC providers, depending on the desired execution approach.

“A fleet of microgrids conceived at the programme level can be executed through a front-end engineering and design pilot project effort, then rapidly replicated across multiple sites,” said Meko.

“Additionally, approaching microgrids as a programme enables standardisation of equipment and controls, which helps to reduce the cost on a per-project basis,” he explains.