Energy for Development
Sustainable Development Goal target(s) |
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Project lead | Dr Scott Strachan, Electronic & Electrical Engineering |
Open to year groups |
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Faculties/departments |
Electronic & Electrical Engineering;Electrical & Mechanical Engineering;Computer & Information Sciences
Please note: availability can vary between degrees. Please contact your advisor of studies and the project lead for more information. |
How to apply |
To apply for this project please complete our application form. |
Project overview
This Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development is closely aligned with the aims and objectives of SDG 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy for All”, and challenges our students to work together in multi-disciplinary teams to help to achieve this global goal.
Our main focus is on electrifying rural communities across Sub-Saharan Africa through the widespread deployment of renewable mini and microgrids.
Approximately 800 million people live without access to electricity and while efforts are being made to ensure universal energy access can be achieved by 2030, in line with SDG 7 targets, it’s expected that 650 million people will remain without access to electricity come that target date of 2030. 90% of these people will live in Sub-Saharan Africa, and most will belong to remote rural communities with no realistic prospect of being connected to the main national grid of their country or region.
This project focuses on the development of a minigrid design tool for minigrid developers. The project has been running for a number of years now and has benefitted from the input of students from EEE, EME, CES and CIS over the years. The type of activities students are involved with in the design and development of this minigrid design tool software include:
- Software development practices
- Python programming
- Graphical User Interface design and development
- App design and development
- Minigrid design practices
Open to second and third year EEE, EME, CES, CIS, Business students.
Project impact
The World Bank has indicated the potential for 490 million people to be connected to minigrids by 2030. This will involve the design and installation of 201,000 grids, requiring an investment of almost $220 billion.
Minigrid developers will need effective design tools and expertise to design, install and operate efficient minigrids in a way that is cost effective for them, affordable for consumers and ensures the 2030 targets can be met on time. Your contribution to this project will work towards developing such a minigrid design tool.
Have more questions, or want to get involved?
Contact scott.strachan
Please note:
- availability can vary between degrees. Please contact your advisor of studies and the project lead for more information
- for Business students, the project is open to 3rd-year students only