A solar mini-grid scheme was set up in 2013 in Melela, Tanzania to provide sustainable electricity supplies to rural communities. The scheme involved installing photovoltaic panels and setting up a local electricity distribution network to power 200 households and local businesses. Residents pay in advance for their electricity consumption. This has provided lighting, phone charging, and power for TVs, improving social cohesion and allowing businesses to operate longer. It has reduced kerosene use and improved health while increasing farm yields. However, the cost remains prohibitive for some and supply decreases in the rainy season.

1. Solar mini-grid scheme,
Melela, Tanzania
AQA spec:
a local renewable energy scheme in an LIC or NEE
to provide sustainable supplies of energy

2. Solar mini-grid scheme,
Melela, Tanzania
Tanzania:
● LIC, 9/10 Tanzanians live on <$3 per
day
● Solar + geothermal + wind + biomass =
Tanzania’s energy mix
● Energy is lost during transmission & the
power infrastructure is expensive -
population is rural and spread out
Electricity is life changing
SOLUTION = Mini-grids
Melela

3. Solar mini-grid scheme, Melela, Tanzania
Problems
1. People burn kerosene for light and cooking →
hazardous fume for health
2. Cattle dung burnt for fuel → nutrients not returned to
the ground
3. Rural dispersed population → a National Grid would
be too expensive to reach everyone
Solution
1. 2013 Devergy set up electricity supply
2. Photovoltaic panels [PV] + local distribution of the
electricity
3. Locals pay in advance for their consumption

4. Impacts
● 200 households → 2 lamps, a TV & a phone
charger
● Businesses - stay open longer - multiplier effect
● Mobiles & TV increase social cohesion
● Mobiles allow business interactions - multiplier
effect
● ↓ kerosene use → improved health → people
can work more ↑ farm yields
● Easy to maintain
Problems
● Electricity too expensive for some - marginalising
community members
● Supply is reduced in the rainy season
Solar mini-grid scheme, Melela, Tanzania

5. Where next?
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