Electrification of isolated areas by interconnecting renewable sources: a sustainable approach

The Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, the Hassan II Institute of Agronomics and Veterinary Science (IAV), and Targa-Aid association undertook a joint project to develop a technique for producing electrical energy from renewable primary energy sources to supply small networks of isolated consumers. Specific attention was paid to sustainable development issues, namely, the integration of social, environmental, and technical components. The project was carried out in the Ouneine Valley (Morocco). The project aimed to implement a technical transfer program and to improve the population´s ability to absorb innovations such as rural electrification by isolated micro-grid. In seven selected villages the infrastructures for the network connections were successfully implemented through a participatory process. The project also comprised a research component aimed at gaining an understanding of the interfaces between the technical and sociological levels. It was felt that such an understanding was critical to the implementation of local development projects.