James Gitau Muiruri
School of Physical and Geographical Sciences
Technical and socio-economic challenges of implementing
decentralized solar-based mini-grids in rural Kenya
Approximately half of the Kenyan population lives below the poverty line and majority
of these people reside in the rural areas. Most parts of rural Kenya are not
connected to the national grid which has meant that over 90% of rural households
rely on kerosene for lighting. The construction of renewable energy-based mini-grids
is a promising option making electricity available in such rural areas. Solar PV, for
instance, has become a viable technology for meeting rural electricity needs but its
subsequent use and distribution faces quite a number of challenges. This
presentation will highlight the multi-disciplinary challenges for adoption of solar
technology in rural Kenya and will cover both technical and socio-economic aspects
of its implementation. A variety of solutions will be outlined that enhance the
understanding of the underlying interdependencies between the solar PV
technological solutions and social, economic, geographic and cultural dimensions
relating to energy distribution and use in rural Kenya.
Postgraduate Conference 2016
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