RePower, powering rural communities

RePower is an ambitious four-year project funded by the European Commission, pioneering the use of plug-and-play microgrids.

The project aims to change the development of microgrids in African off-grid communities from the current dependence on diesel generators towards modular plug and play (PnP) compatible microgrid plants with enhanced renewable energy storage (BESS) and energy management systems (EMS). Additionally, to augment generation capacity, the plants incorporate combined heat and power systems that utilise agricultural waste biomass as feedstock (BCHP).

RePower takes an innovative approach to drive productive use of electricity by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industries and households in rural Africa. While RePower focuses mainly on generating electricity, it also leverages climate-smart solutions to provide clean water, solar-powered cooling for agricultural produce, and internet access through satellite communications.

By supporting local businesses that process locally grown produce into more valuable products on-site, RePower aims to enhance the local economy and bolster the viability of microgrids. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on external financial support and make projects more resilient and self-sustaining.

Our mission is to deploy microgrids across sites in Madagascar, Niger, Senegal, and a replication site in Ghana*.

The sub-Saharan Africa off-grid market is made up of more than 600 million people with no access to electricity, 80% of which live in rural communities, and about 175 million smallholder farmers. Niger, Senegal and Madagascar all fall into the categories of low or lower-middle income economies, with a high dependency on agriculture.

Electricity access is essential to healthcare, education, business, entertainment, and many other activities that contribute to a good life. However, if no additional efforts are made, 660 million people will remain without access to electricity in 2030. This highlights the importance of rural electrification initiatives such as RePower.