Research

Market for the integration of smaller wind turbines in mini-grids in Uganda

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Abstract

This report is issued by the Kenya Miniwind project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Danida Market Development Partnerships. The project aims to explore and develop the market for a partly locally produced kW wind turbine to be integrated into a PV mini-grid for rural electrification in order to reduce the cost of electricity and support local value creation. The long-term objectives of the project are accordingly to contribute to poverty reduction, stimulate economic growth and increase the supply of sustainable energy. The short- to medium-term objective is to explore the market potential and learn more about how to design solutions and business models that are suitable for rural electrification. The project will therefore conduct a market study, engage in dialogue with local communities and authorities, and demonstrate the technical, social and economic feasibility of integrating a kW wind turbine into a smart solar-powered mini-grid in Kenya. The project will also describe the assembly and production of a key component of the demonstration wind turbine. Finally, the project will work to improve the mini-grid developer sector in both Kenya and the wider region. The aim is that the knowledge generated through these activities will help develop the concept into a viable business model for the private companies involved, thus paving the way for the large-scale deployment of rural wind. The project is a partnership between SustainableEnergy, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the Technical University of Denmark, the Kenya Climate Innovation Center and the Rural Electrification Authority.