On 2 and 3 December, 2021 the Institute for New Energy Systems (InES) presented its international project activities at its own stand at the OFF-GRID Expo & Conference in Augsburg. In compliance with hygiene guidelines and a test concept, the event was able to take place on site. A total of more than 50 exhibitors from the international off-grid community took the opportunity to demonstrate their off-grid solutions and products. In addition to other universities, the exhibitors included (international) companies specialised in the off-grid sector.

The interdisciplinary PROCEED project was particularly highlighted at the Institute's stand. As a German-Namibian joint project, PROCEED investigates possibilities for an efficient, sustainable and renewable energy-based electrification of rural off-grid settlements in Namibia using existing hybrid mini-grids. The research findings gained so far and the impressions conveyed via posters, videos and personal discussions at the stand met with lively interest. For example, the research question addressed in PROCEED about the technical feasibility of linking individual solar home systems to form a micro or mini-grid was the subject of much discussion.

The positive response, which was noticeable both for the stand in general and for the PROCEED project in particular, illustrates the great interest in applied research in the field of off-grid electrification. The Institute's team is looking forward to strengthening the new and existing contacts made at the OFF-GRID Expo & Conference and to further developing projects together in this exciting field.