The project team, led by Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), reached a significant milestone by installing a 26 kWp decentralised solar system at Tsumkwe secondary school. The aim of the installation is to eliminate the considerable gap between electricity demand and the mini-grid’s power generation capacity.

Instead of battling the increasing energy demand by using more and more diesel generators, the goal of uninterrupted electricity supply should be approached by sustainable solutions such as PV systems.

Instead of battling the increasing energy demand by using more and more diesel generators, the goal of uninterrupted electricity supply should be approached by sustainable solutions such as PV systems.

In the case of Tsumkwe village, the PROCEED project team responded to these challenges by identifying the village's largest energy consumer through a detailed energy audit and supplementing the existing mini-grid installation with a solar system. Tsumkwe Secondary School was chosen as the ideal location for the installation of a solar system, as the highest electricity consumption takes place during hours of high solar radiation and correspondingly high output from the PV system. With the help of this addition, the increased demand for electricity is addressed without resorting to intermediate solutions such as diesel generators.

The installation of the PV system in April 2021 marked a significant milestone in the project's progress. The project team continues to remotely monitor and analyse the system’s performance, particularly how it complements the mini-grid and thus reduces the school’s dependence on mini-grid electricity. During a field trip to Tsumkwe in November 2022, the project team learnt that the school has operated without any blackouts since the installation of the new PV system. Furthermore, data interpretation revealed that the solar system fed in up to 20 kW of electric power back into the mini-grid during periods of low demand. This significantly increased the energy storage capacity and reduced the mini-grid's instantaneous load.

The mini-grid operator CENORED (Central North Regional Electricity Distributor) reports a shift in consumer needs with a desire for increased electrical appliances beyond basic lighting and entertainment. Therefore, the demand for electricity is expected to increase further, making the incorporation of sustainable green solutions essential.

The pilot solar system has demonstrated the potential to relieve the burden on the mini-grid while using the existing distribution lines. By deploying more decentralised systems, the village could enjoy stable and continuous electricity supply without the constraints of expanding the central grid.

In conclusion, the PROCEED project offers valuable insights into the impact of decentralised solar systems on overloaded mini-grids in Tsumkwe, Namibia. The project’s findings emphasise the importance of harnessing solar energy to complement existing generators, paving the way for greener and more reliable electricity supply. The success of the pilot solar system serves as a promising model for the widespread adoption of decentralised solutions, promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in off-grid communities.

For more information on the PROCEED project, please visit the project website.