Developing mutual success factors and their application to swarm electrification: microgrids with 100 % renewable energies in the Global South and Germany. (1st August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kirchhoff, Hannes; Kebir, Noara; Neumann, Kirsten; Heller, Peter W.; Strunz, Kai
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 128(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2016-08-01
• Subjects: Energy access in the Global South -- German energy transition -- 100 % renewable energy communities -- Microgrids -- Success factors -- Swarm electrification; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: In the context of climate change mitigation and sustainable energy infrastructure development, this paper focuses on the successful implementation of microgrids supplied by renewable energies in very diverse environments. Taking into account the challenges of reaching economies of scale, this paper is targeted at identifying success factors for microgrid implementation. The success factors are derived from case study analyses of microgrids implemented in the Global South and in communities of Germany. The goal of the research is to develop a mutual understanding of common values and so support future developments. The analysis covers the categories of ownership and participation; technology and system design; and policy and financing. The results show that microgrids in the Global South and renewable-energy-based communities in Germany share a number of success factors. The results demonstrate that a high share of ownership by users and the flexibility to expand the microgrid with user needs are particularly promising features. To verify the application of the identified success factors, the latter are applied to analyze the microgrid concept of "swarm electrification". The analysis concludes that the concept of swarm electrification is consistent with the success factors, making it a high-potential approach for renewable-energy-based electrification. Highlights: Microgrids in Germany and the Global South are analyzed. Germany's 970 + energy cooperatives are a key case. Common lessons learned are analyzed. Nine main success factors are derived. Swarm Electrification fulfills many success criteria.