Solar minigrid in Malawi: Socio-economic projection through comparative analysis
This master's thesis investigates the socio-economic impacts of implementing a solar mini-grid in Mwansambe Village, Malawi, as part of the Master’s program in Energy Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The study utilizes a comparative case study methodology to address the...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/413140 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/413140 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Photovoltaic power generation--Malawi Energia solar fotovoltaica--Malawi Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies::Energia solar fotovoltaica |
| Sumario: | This master's thesis investigates the socio-economic impacts of implementing a solar mini-grid in Mwansambe Village, Malawi, as part of the Master’s program in Energy Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The study utilizes a comparative case study methodology to address the critical energy access challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 14.2% of Malawi's population has electricity. It examines solar PV projects in rural Morocco and Ivory Coast to derive insights into the potential benefits of rural electrification. Key findings from these case studies reveal significant socio-economic improvements, including enhanced agricultural productivity, business growth, job creation, and improved healthcare and education services. Projections for the Malawi mini-grid suggest similar benefits, such as increased agricultural output, expanded economic activities, job creation, better healthcare and educational outcomes, and a projected annual reduction of 37,932 kg in CO2 emissions. To ensure sustainability, the thesis recommends adopting community-based management structures, promoting productive uses of energy, providing gender-inclusive training programs, and implementing a prepayment system for electricity usage. These strategies, informed by successful Morocco and Ivory Coast practices, emphasize community engagement, capacity building, and financial viability. This study underscores the transformative potential of solar mini-grids in enhancing energy access and driving socio-economic development in rural Malawi, aligning with the goals of the Malawi National Energy Policy and Vision 2063 for sustainable and inclusive growth. |
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