Scaling Energy Access through Interconnected Mini-grids - SEAM

Partners: Vividgrd

Country: Malawi

Technology: Smart green grids including mini and main grid technologies

Stage: Mid

Stage: Round 10

Energy poverty affects quality of life, hinders business ventures, slows economic development, and disproportionately impacts women and children. In Malawi, 85% of the population lives in rural areas, but the National Grid mainly serves urban areas. As a result, only 1% of people in rural areas have access to electricity, and 62% live below the international poverty line.

Mini-grids, decentralised electrical systems powered by renewable sources like solar and micro-hydro, are vital solutions to addressing the energy access gap. Located in the communities they serve, these mini-grids offer power and support jobs creation in rural communities.
For this project Vividgrd will apply new technology to operate multiple interconnected mini-grid installations on an interconnected distribution network akin to local distribution grids. By removing single points of failure, the system becomes more reliable and can scale as more sites are added over time.