RENEWABLES
method of choice is small-scale , often single-home solar . This allows energy to reach villages and hamlets off the grid , since the installations are powered by a single PV battery .
A similar approach is being taken in Mali , but extends to businesses and schools . Installing PV panels and using them to power these facilities allows for rural communities to have access to services they would not have previously because of power inaccessibility . Also being constructed are low-voltage micro-grids using power from small diesel-fired facilities , which brings electricity to a large majority of the villages slated for upgrade .
All of these efforts involve little physical infrastructure , though these smaller grids and singlehome installations require a
‘ This involves the creation of what EDF terms as a DSC , or Decentralized Service Company , to serve a community rather than the massive utility ’ significant amount of manpower .
Working Better Together Despite being the name at the forefront , EDF isn ’ t the party directly involved with rural electrification in Africa . The company ’ s current approach to this challenge began in the 1990s with the creation of the Rural Electricity Service Company ( RESCO ) model .
This involves the creation of what EDF terms as a DSC , or Decentralized Service Company , to serve a community rather than the massive utility . This way , each DSC can tailor its approach to the regions needs and essentially be run by those who know the region best .
“ The strength of these DSCs is that they are integrated in the local socio-economic fabric : they are companies governed by local law , employing local managers and personnel ,” the company writes . “ The difficulty involves designing sustainable projects , in other words , those capable of financing themselves and taking responsibility for their own development . Sustaining decentralized services companies in disadvantaged regions , where
30 October 2014