The OFF-GRID Conference

These are the topics of this year's conference:

• Utilisation of green hydrogen for off-grid energy access

  The use of green hydrogen for off-grid electrification holds immense promise as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to meet the energy needs of remote and underserved areas. Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, generating no harmful emissions in the process. This clean and efficient energy carrier can be easily stored and transported, making it ideal for remote regions lacking reliable access to conventional electricity grids.

  By deploying green hydrogen-based off-grid electricity generation technologies, these communities can power homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and small industries, promoting economic growth and improving living conditions while reducing their carbon footprint. Embracing green hydrogen for off-grid electrification not only enhances energy resilience but also contributes significantly to a greener and more sustainable future. Speakers in this session will discuss the scope, benefits, and challenges of utilising green hydrogen in off-grid energy access space.

• Women entrepreneurs and off-grid renewable energy – A status-quo check!

  The electrification of rural communities offers an unprecedented opportunity to expand economic opportunities for women, by creating an array of social and economic benefits. Evidence has demonstrated that women entrepreneurs are strong agents of change, and off-grid solutions have enabled unprecedented opportunities for women in rural communities by improving both women's incomes and decision-making power in local communities.

  Despite the appeal of the sector, women face persistent barriers related to access to funding, networks, and lack of supportive policies for gender equality. Removing these barriers is essential to meet the growing demand for skills in an expanding off-grid renewable energy industry. Speakers will discuss the exciting potential in expanding women’s entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector in the off-grid setting.

• Energy Storage Solutions – providing uninterrupted energy supply

  The increased penetration of renewable energy sources is a good sign for global power sector. However, the variable generation potential from solar and wind makes it challenging to provide power 24x7. Energy storage comes as a key to such challenges. Energy storage, if suitably deployed, gives system operators a flexible and fast response resource to effectively manage variability in generation and load and hence provide uninterrupted power supply. This session outlines the nuances of “Energy storage” and the vital role it plays in decentralised rural electrification.

• Technical innovations in the off-gird energy sector with innovative small wind systems

  Technical innovations in the off-grid energy sector have seen significant advancements, particularly with the introduction of innovative small wind systems. These cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized how remote and isolated communities harness renewable energy for their electricity needs. Unlike traditional wind turbines, these compact wind systems are designed to be more efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for decentralized power generation. Utilising lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and intelligent control systems, these small wind turbines can capture energy even in low wind conditions, maximizing their output and optimising power generation e.g. airborne wind energy systems.

  Additionally, their modular designs make installation and maintenance easier, reducing operational costs and increasing accessibility for off-grid communities. Speakers will shed light on such technical innovations, small ground-based and airborne wind systems which play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and improving energy access in remote areas, contributing to a greener and more inclusive energy future.

• Integrated solar cooking – Opportunities and challenges for cooking with the power of sun in developing countries

  Integrated solar cooking presents both opportunities and challenges for cooking with the power of the sun in developing countries. As an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional cooking methods, solar cooking offers numerous benefits. By harnessing the abundant solar energy available in these regions, integrated solar cookers can significantly reduce reliance on scarce and costly fossil fuels, alleviating financial burdens for households and curbing deforestation associated with traditional fuel sources like firewood.

  Additionally, solar cooking contributes to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner air, and improving public health by reducing indoor air pollution. Moreover, solar cooking can empower women and girls who typically bear the burden of collecting firewood and spend considerable time cooking, enabling them to participate in education and income-generating activities. This session will highlight the impact and challenges associated with solar cooking and how they can be addressed through financial incentives, technology improvements, and supportive policies for a cleaner, more sustainable, and equitable cooking solution in developing countries.

• Best practices on productive use of renewable energy (PURE)

  Productive use of renewable energy (PURE) refers to the efficient and sustainable harnessing of clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, to drive economic activities and improve societal well-being. This entails deploying renewable energy systems for various applications, such as electricity generation, heating, cooling, and transportation, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, and fostering energy independence.

  Productive use encompasses a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, industry, and residential settings, where renewable energy technologies can enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote energy access, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible and economically viable future. In this session, the speakers will showcase their projects and solutions highlighting the implementation of productive use of renewable energy.