Electrification of Isolated Areas by Interconnecting Renewable Sources (ERD Research-Action Project): Lessons Learned

B. Michelon (Switzerland), A. Nejmi (Morocco), J.D. Ghali (Switzerland), A.D. Sadi (Morocco), and J.-C. Bolay (Switzerland)

Keywords

Rural electrification - Renewable energy - Technology transfer - Social implementation

Abstract

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, the Hassan II Institute of Agronomics and Veterinary Science, and Targa-Aid undertook a joint project to develop a technique for producing electrical energy from renewable primary energy sources to supply small networks of isolated consumers. Specific attention was paid to sustainable development issues, namely, the integration of social, environmental, and technical components. The project was carried out in the Ouneine Valley of Morocco. It aimed to implement a technology transfer program and improve the population’s ability to take up innovations such as rural electrification by isolated micro-grid. In nine selected villages the infrastructure for the network connections was successfully implemented through a participatory process. The project also comprised a research component aimed at gaining an understanding of the interfaces between the technical and sociological levels. It was felt that such an understanding was critical to the implementation of local development projects.

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