Project for installation of intelligent mini-grid management systems in Benin is underway. The project aims to improve the operation of solar mini-grids, especially in rural areas.
The intelligent mini-grid management systems in Benin project will be implemented by SparkMeter, a smart meter and network analysis technology provider with funding in form of a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, an independent agency of the United States government, formed to advance economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.
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Speaking on the project, Dan Schnitzer, the CEO of SparkMeter said that by digitizing a mini-grid from its inception, “utilities are able to more easily integrate grid analysis into regular operations. Utilities can then remotely measure, view, and operate their system, which will replace charcoal stoves, paraffin lamps, and diesel generators with clean, renewable energy.”
Operation of the systems
The SparkMeter’s digital mini-grid management system will be operated by Sherlock Grids SAS, a special purpose company created by On Power Systems, North America’s leading independent power management solutions provider, and Akuo Energy Africa, a subsidiary of French independent power producer (IPP) Akuo Energy.
SparkMeter will provide advice on the development of geospatial models of utility assets and an electrical model of the power grid. In particular, the company will use cloud-based software to combine these models with data from its smart meters so as to produce advanced analyses of network performance.
SparkMeter and Sherlock Grids SAS were selected as part of a call for projects launched by the Off-Grid Clean Energy Facility (Ocef) more than a year ago. Together, they are to build, operate and maintain 10 hybrid solar mini-grids in the northern region of the country.
