Assessing the Viability and Impact of Off Grid Systems for Sustainable Electrification of Rural Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Imo-Obong Utoh, Wilson Ekpotu, Martin Obialor · 2024 · SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition

Summary. Off-grid solar minigrids offer a viable solution for rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa, where centralized power systems have failed to reach communities. The research identifies key barriers to adoption including high capital costs, land expenses, and long break-even periods. Techno-economic analysis reveals that economic viability, regulatory frameworks, and technical challenges—measured through levelized cost of electricity—determine whether these systems succeed in rural areas.

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@article{utoh-2024-assessing-viability-impact-off-grid,
  title   = {Assessing the Viability and Impact of Off Grid Systems for Sustainable Electrification of Rural Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa},
  author  = {Imo-Obong Utoh and Wilson Ekpotu and Martin Obialor},
  journal = {SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition},
  year    = {2024},
  doi     = {10.2118/221709-ms},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.2118/221709-ms}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Assessing the Viability and Impact of Off Grid Systems for Sustainable Electrification of Rural Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa
AU  - Imo-Obong Utoh
AU  - Wilson Ekpotu
AU  - Martin Obialor
JO  - SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition
PY  - 2024
DO  - 10.2118/221709-ms
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2118/221709-ms
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.2118/221709-ms

Countries

Canada

Regions

North America

Categories

energy, climate-and-environment, policy

Added

2026-04-28