Energy solutions in rural Africa: mapping electrification costs of distributed solar and diesel generation versus grid extension 论文

摘要

Three rural electrification options are analysed showing the optimal cost conditions for a sustainable energy development applying renewable energy sources in Africa. A spatial electricity cost model has been designed to identify the least-cost option in off-grid areas: diesel generators, photovoltaic systems or extension of the grid. The resulting mapping application offers support to decide in which regions the communities could be electrified extending the grid or by an isolated mini-grid. Thereby, the visual analysis at continental level of the economical potential for the different technology options can give some guidance to donor programs and National Rural Electrification Agencies (or equivalent governmental departments) to delineate their program boundaries for the economical viability and then use the local optimisation tools adapted to the prevailing parameters.