OxReGen Wind Turbine Mini-grid Pilot 

Partners: University Of Oxford, Éirecomposites, Save The Children International

Country: Somalia

Technology: Smart green grids, including mini and main grid technologies

Stage: Early

Stage: 9

In Somalia, only 15% of the population has access to electricity (Somalia National Development Plan). 90% of this electricity is supplied through isolated, diesel-based mini-grids (World Bank), which are costly and unsustainable. Of all the countries in Africa, Somalia has the highest potential for onshore wind power (African Development Bank).

The project team is comprised of members from the University of Oxford, ÉireComposites and Save the Children International. They will develop an innovative wind turbine mini-grid system, that will be both affordable and reliable. The mini-grid system will store energy to power electrical appliances, even in the absence of wind. This system will be constructed using locally sourced, off-the-shelf components, making it simple and easy to install. In addition, there will be minimal maintenance that anyone can be trained to carry out.

The team will identify a test site in Somalia to install a wind turbine mini-grid system. The power generated could be used to: refrigerate vaccines; power internet access; pump groundwater; provide lighting; and/or charge mobile phones, increasing income-generating activities and removing the need to purchase fuel.