Smart grid technologies challenges in rwanda

MARCEL GAKUBAHEAD- SRDU, ENERGY -EWSA LTD

SMART GRID TECHNOLOGIES

CHALLENGES IN RWANDA

Theme:The Future of Grid in Rwanda: How Will it Be Smart?

College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda (CST – UR, Kigali Campus). 27th March 2014

Presentation Outline

1. What is smart grid? 2. Why Smart Grid? 3. Global Energy Use

4. Smart Grid Implementation in Africa 5. Challenges in Implementing Smart Grid in

Rwanda 6. Way forward7. Conclusions

What is smart grid?

• Short Answer: Smart Grid = IT + Electric Grid

“Smart grid” generally refers to technologies that people are using to bring utility electricity delivery systems into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control and automation.

These systems are made possible by two- way digital communications technologies and computer processing that has been used for decades in other industries.

What is smart grid?

Why Smart Grid?

The basic structure of the electric power grid has remained unchanged for many years (hundreds).

Existing power generation infrastructure is not able to keep pace with growing power demand.

The methods of power delivery to consumers are also outdated and extremely inefficient.

Global power industry is facing challenges.

Why Smart Grid?

The electric grid in its current state is falling behind the 21st century technological advancements and energy demands.

Current trends in energy supply and use are unsustainable-economically, environmentally and socially.

IEA Predict the overall energy use to double by 2030.

Most of the expansion will be powered by growth in fossil fuels.

Why Smart Grid?

On the other hand, climate change scientists now tell us that we will need to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases by at least 60% by 2050, if we are to meet our emissions reduction target.

We can decide to do something about climate change by expanding massively the contribution of renewable energy to our overall energy needs or continue with “the business as usual” model.

Global Energy Use

About 87% of the world primary energy is fossil fuels.

A substantial proportion of coal and gas production is used to generate electricity (about 40%), a percentage that is gradually increasing

Global Energy Use

China has consolidated its position as the world’s largest energy consumer. By 2035, China will consume nearly 70% more energy than the US (the second largest consumer).

In 2010, about 1.3 billion people (1/5 of the world population) did not have access to electricity. In 11 countries all in Africa, more than 90% of people go without electricity.

Until now, most Africans have no access to modern fuels like natural gas, kerosene or propane. They still rely on traditional use of biomass for cooking.

Smart Grid Implementation in Africa

Africa has an abundance of natural resources. The entire continent can be regarded as one giant solar panel. Rwanda for instance, has very good solar and wind resources -RE

The deployment of RE technologies has been slow to take off.

With the abundant RE resources in Rwanda, we can improve access to electricity services by adapting smart grid technologies to meet the electricity demand of now & the future.

Challenges in Implementing Smart Grid in Rwanda

Ageing and outdated Infrastructure: Present Infrastructure in Rwanda is inadequate and requires major overhaul and augmentation to support the introduction of Smart Grids.

Inadequate resources: There is a need for new technologies in the electricity supply system and new infrastructure for transmission and distribution.

Lack of integrated communication platform


Cost of deployment: Distribution systems make up the bulk of smart grid costs.

Management of the vast amount of data generated by a wide range of stakeholders such as the vendors, local government, IPP, industries, and consumers may be challenging.

Transition from legacy systems: Old systems cannot always be retrofitted with new technologies and there may be a need for an entire technology solutions.


Smart consumers: “ The customer is ultimately the stakeholder that the entire grid was created to support”. consumer’s embrace of the two-way

communication Implement dynamic pricing that can be

incentives for consumers to change their energy-use patterns.


Compatibility of older equipment: Some older equipment must be replaced as it cannot be retrofitted to be compatible with smart grid technologies. Early retirement of equipment may become an issue

Smart Grid Cybersecurity: is another challenge area for smart grid implementation


Lack of standard and interoperability: The shift to common standard will take years of additional development, testing and negotiation. The quest for Smart Grid standards to facilitate interoperability is the most complicated issue facing the Smart Grid industry.

Make more energy available at affordable prices to enable all people to use modern energy to meet their basic needs.


To slow overall growth of energy consumption through conservation and energy efficiency improvement and to make energy sources more environmentally sustainable.

Changes in Regulatory Policies: Our policies can not to deal with consequences of Smart Grid.

Lack of human skills: who have the “know how” to deal with highly sophisticated equipment.

Way forward

Energy efficiency and conservation policies should be put in place.

If the grid were just 5% more efficient (worldwide), the energy savings would equate to permanently eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars .

Diversification of energy sources should be a priority of the government

Facilitate access to modern energy for all households

Conclusions

The Smart Grid will come from the application of intelligent energy technology to optimize the use of generation resources and the delivery of power

There are several key challenges that should be addressed before smart grid implementation could be a reality in Rwanda (and/or many Africa countries).

Conclusions

Government must Promote broad deployment of energy efficiency

Deploy various types of renewable energy

Put the right policy in place

THE [email protected]

www.ewsa.rw

Smart grid technologies challenges in rwanda

Education

Transcript of Smart grid technologies challenges in rwanda