Does Africa need a Renewable Energy Sources Act?
The expansion of renewable energies in Africa is far too low given the favourable conditions such as good solar radiation. It is arguable whether Fair Grid is the most appropriate means of securing power and disseminating renewable energy. However, in the age of accelerated climate change, it should be clear to anyone that there is an urgent need for some kind of (EEG) or other incentives for renewable energy sources in Africa and other regions around the world. If the promotion of renewable energies is necessary in Europe, how can the energy transition succeed in Africa without funding?
How can the FairGrid idea be implemented in Africa?
The Fair Grid idea is based on a long-term, cooperative partnership between local universities and German universities. Thus, from the beginning, the success of the project can be observed and scientifically monitored. Local universities set fair shutdown criteria, develop cost-effective tariffs, clarify local issues, provide information on ways to save energy, and act as intermediaries between electricity customers and local utilities. Finally, the involvement of local universities should promote the acceptance of Fair Grid in African countries.
Where can FairGrids be applied?
Fair boxes work autonomously and therefore do not require complex central controls. This allows them to be used in small isolated networks, but also in national power grids. Small supply islands can be connected to larger networks. Expensive long-distance power lines are unnecessary. The Fair Boxes are compatible with existing power generators. Fair Grid can also enable the energy transition in remote areas and countries with unstable governments. Fair grid does not even need a compulsion to use:
It relies solely on agreements with the national power grid operator. There is no obligation to connect to FairGrid. A customer that refuses to sign a contract with the FairGrid operator will continue to be served by the national grid operator. However, he will receive a new electricity meter (FairBox) as well as a new shielded connection cable. He will not enjoy the advantages of a permanent power supply but will have to accept frequent power outages characteristic for the national grid.
Why are FairGrids less complex and particularly suitable for renewable energies?
Fair grids "only" secure a basic power supply for everyone. Due to the wide frequency band from 51 to 49 Hz it hardly needs load buffer; and the possibility of dropping additional load at under frequency reduces generation capacity. Thus, Fair Grids are less expensive than conventional power grids. As a result, they are predestined for developing and emerging countries as well as for grids with fluctuating renewable energies.
In addition FairGrid require less storage than conventional power grids:
Normally, the frequency-forming power generator in the FairGrid is adjusted to just below 51 Hz. If the load suddenly rises or the feed-in power from solar or wind power plants drops, the frequency will initially drop a little, the motor load will decrease, and thus the balance between power generation and consumption will be adjusted. In the frequency range between 51 Hz and 49 Hz there is 4% free and quickly available load buffer, which does not have to be compensated in the short term. As a result, FairGrid requires less short-term load buffer.