Electrification of isolated areas by interconnecting renewable sources (ERD project): lessons learned

Researchers from Switzerland and Morocco 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, technical and economic 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. The project also comprised a research component aimed at gaining an understanding of the interfaces between the technical and sociological levels.