A Microgrid Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been launched at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Power Africa, a US government-led initiative coordinated by the United States Agency for International Development.

The centre will support local utilities with microgrid implementation projects as an alternative way of achieving universal access to electricity.

It is likely to draw lessons from Power Africa’s Off-Grid Program, which spans 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and which has resulted in over five-million direct connections since 2018.

The CoE will also involve the creation of smart grid laboratories and related infrastructure.

A microgrid is a self-contained grid that uses renewable energy, batteries for energy storage and generators to produce power. Microgrids can either complement the national grid or work independently from it, providing communities access to more sustainable and resilient energy supplies.

CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini hailed the partnership as one that would advance microgrid and smart grid technologies to build future power and enhance energy capacity.

“Together with our partners, we were able to set up a real-time digital simulation laboratory to optimally support the implementation of smart grids and microgrids power generation.

“This facility analyses and tests microgrid technology at full power and actual load levels before implementation,” Dlamini said, adding that the testing would reduce deployment risks and help optimise the performance of microgrid hardware, communications and security systems.

Power Africa acting coordinator David Thompson said the initiative would provide invaluable support to energy stakeholders, enabling them to develop and implement renewable energy projects with confidence and success.

“We firmly believe that by working together, we can drive meaningful change and make lasting progress toward universal access to clean and reliable energy.”