From Modelling to Megawatts: Making Microgrids Work in African Communities

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Microgrids play a critical role in expanding electricity access and supporting the energy transition across Sub-Saharan Africa. However, many systems are still designed around upfront feasibility studies that do not fully account for how microgrids operate over time as demand grows, networks become constrained, and user behaviour evolves.

This webinar presents recent research from the CEPREC programme that moves microgrid design from modelling to real-world operation. It demonstrates how incorporating low-voltage network behaviour, demand evolution, and consumer–prosumer interactions can significantly improve reliability, adaptability, and system performance in practice.

The session introduces an integrated modelling approach that combines electrical network analysis with behaviour-informed demand modelling to identify operational constraints, manage congestion, and support better planning and control decisions. It also highlights the role of energy storage as a key operational asset, with a particular focus on the use of second-life electric vehicle batteries to enhance flexibility and resilience in African microgrids.

Drawing on ongoing doctoral research and applied case studies, the webinar shows how network-aware and behaviour-informed approaches can support microgrids that are not only technically feasible, but robust, affordable, and effective in real communities.

Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/704cf190-ac62-4a4b-b59d-2a4004ceb1f4@4f78c0e3-d250-4ddf-bb1c-15d3145697cc