PRO­CEED

In large parts of Namibia, connecting rural households to the national power grid is neither technically nor economically feasible. The lack of access to electricity prevents technological and economic development, particularly in rural areas. Despite good availability, the usage of renewable energies has so far been limited. In cooperation with the Technical University of Ingolstadt, the University of Bayreuth and IBC Solar as well as Namibian partners, HNU is researching the application of decentralised electricity grids, so-called mini-grids, which are restricted to smaller areas. Decentralised models for the energy infrastructure are to be developed that meet the respective local electricity demand, use current technical possibilities and are accepted by the rural population. The island networks should be economically viable and easy to maintain. In the work package "Mini-Grid Economics," HNU contributes its business expertise and investigates the question of a cost-covering tariff and payment system for mini-grids, based on suitable business models for the commercial use of the electricity generated.