The Issue.
Over 1 billion people worldwide are still without access to modern energy services such as electricity #energyaccess.
International agencies and institutions such as The World Bank, IEA and IRENA all agree that minigrids represents the most cost-effective, if not low-cost solution to bring electricity to these communities
That being said, the number of minigrids that has been successfully deployed are not catching up with our ever growing population rates. This translates to more people without access to electricity
So why is deployment and uptake still slow?
Minigrid deployment is a complex socio-technical procedure. Most #energyaccess programs tends to focus more on the finance, technology, or policies/regulatory environment when it comes to the procedure
The Challenge.
These are all viable aspects to focus on as it enables #energyaccess. However, the one key component for enabling #energyaccess in these communities are the people!
Many systems fail not because financing wasn't available, the technology didn't work or the right policy wasn't in place, but because the local community wasn't engaged enough in the process.
Conventional approaches to minigrid planning don’t sufficiently include community participation and engagement, a critical success factor.
Why?
Because it's their home
Minigrids are local, small-scale power grids that provide electricity to a small community. It enables local,flexible generation, utilizes renewable energy sources and can be managed by the community
With input from local communities, minigrid developers and community development experts, we've developed;
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Minigrids
A new and adaptable approach to minigrid design and planning that emphasizes on communities from the get go, transitioning decision-making power from external developers to local communities.
The game acts as a simulation that helps facilitate players in making decisions based on unexpected challenges that comes with a minigrid. This enables communities to collaboratively design and plan a community-sized renewable energy system, prioritizing processes that build upon existing local capabilities
Some of the challenges that the players might face are;
Players must find ways to tackle these problems whilst making sure that their system remains financially viable and meets the electricity demand of the whole community
In the game, players work cooperatively to build and operate a functioning minigrid that serves their needs.
They make individual decisions such as
Whilst also deciding on collective ones such as
We recently played The Minigrid Game with three off-grid communities in the state of Sabah, Malaysia.
What does it do?
Storm damage
Electricity theft
Income Disruptions
Managing household budgets
Operating and purchasing fitting appliances
Designing load management schemes
Sizing their system
Setting the proper tariffs
Help us spread the word! #TheMinigridGame is for those who are interested in building communities through sustainable energy. Calling all communities, energy practitioners, and advocates for sustainable communities! Help us lay the foundation for thriving, resilient communities by spreading the word!